3 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Overview and History

Developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that utilizes lateral (side to side)  eye movement to help people process various traumatic experiences. (EMDR Institute; Shapiro, 2018).  This modality is an individual therapy that is typically delivered one to two times per week for a total of 6-12 sessions, although some people can benefit from fewer sessions, and sessions can be conducted on consecutive days. (APA; Shapiro, 2018).

Effective For:

Core Principles and Terms

EMDR is conducted through 8 phases; the length of each phase depends on the complexity of trauma the client presents with.

Phase 1: History-Taking Session(s); Therapist assess for readiness and collaboratively develop a treatment plan which involves identifying possible targets for EMDR processing. These targets include:

• Distressing memories
• Current situations that cause emotional distress (triggers)
• Past instances of trauma

Phase 2: Psychoeducation is utilized to teach client various techniques of handling emotional distress such as imagery, grounding and mindfulness practices for the client to use during therapy and between sessions.

Phase 3-6: A target is identified and processed using the EMDR. The client identifies:

1. imagery related to the memory

2. a negative cognitions about themselves or underlying belief of that memory*

3. a body scan is conducted to identify emotions and body sensations

4. a positive cognitions about themselves*

*Cognitions can be changed and modified by the client throughout the client to better represent what they are feeling during processing.

The therapist then helps the client rate the intensity of the negative and positive beliefs. The client is then asked to focus on the memory, negative thought, and body sensations as they engage in EMDR processing.

After each set of processing, the therapists asks the client to let their mind go blank and notice whatever thoughts, imagery, or sensations come to mind. Depending on the clients feedback and intensity rating, the therapist will decide to continue focusing on that memory or move to a different one.

Phase 7:  Closure; if the targeted memory was not fully processed in session, the client is asked to keep a log during the week that  records any related information that might show up. The purpose is to practice the calming techniques taught in phase 2.

Phase 8: Examine the progress made and explores if any other memories or emotions have shown up in relation to the memories being processed.

(APA; EMDR Institute; Shapiro 2018)

Critiques and Limitations

Lack of research in areas other than trauma; though EMDR has been shown to be effective in some small studies on depression and other mental health issues, there is not enough clinical research to support that it is effective in long term treatment of those diagnoses and symptoms.

Resources

www.emdr.com

https://maibergerinstitute.com/emdr-therapy-tools-resources/