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EMDR
Eye-Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR stands for Eye-Movement, Desensitisation, Reprocessing therapy. It was primarily developed for processing traumatic memories and adverse life experiences, however, has since been adapted for other difficulties which we find ourselves dealing with. These include: anxiety, depression, phobias, stress, esteem issues, grief and much more.
How it Works
Using Eye movements as a form of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps to desensitise and process difficult emotions, negative thoughts, memories, body sensations, and reduces reactions to current triggers and helps increase positive templates for future situations. Other forms of bilateral stimulation can be used, such as tapping and sounds. It is believed that the bilateral stimulation stimulates the brain’s natural processing tendencies similar to Rapid Eye-Movement in sleep when the two sides of the brain are communicating and “processing” information.
What is Psychological Trauma?
EMDR is theorised using the Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP) which posits that current disturbances are caused by past events which overwhelmed us to a point where the normal order of memory processing and consolidation has been disrupted and is now stuck in a maladaptive form. Memories can then be stuck on repeat and it can feel the past is present, even if the rational brain knows otherwise. The AIP model holds that the brain has a healing tendency which has been blocked or disrupted by trauma or overwhelm. Through using bilateral stimulation whilst processing the traumatic material in a mental or in a felt sense, as opposed to talking through the details, the brain is then able to metabolise the stuck, maladaptive and unprocessed memories and then helps to consolidate accurate and more adaptive thought processes and fosters the resolution of stuck body memories.
EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organisation for treating trauma and is often preferred by many clients as processing happens faster in comparison to other therapies, involves less talking through specific details of the event/s and is therefore less intrusive. EMDR is also very well supported by empirical research.
EMDR is broken into 3 prongs and 8 phases. The 8 phases are utilised to work through the 3 prongs individually.
EMDR can be practiced as a standalone therapy or integrated into other therapy models. Depending on the level of distress or severity of the trauma, a more integrated approach may be needed to aid emotional regulation and building new skills to manage life. Sessions are usually weekly and are scheduled for either 50 or 90 minute sessions.
The 3 Prongs of EMDR are:
past events
The past events which set the path for current distress or maladaptive patterns
current situation
The current situations or triggers (internal or external) which elicit the distress or unhelpful behaviours.
future situations
Installing templates of future situations to help assist the learning of new skills and manage future situations.
The 8 Phases of EMDR are:
Understanding you, and the origins and effects of the trauma.
Learning about the process and regulation techniques.
Assessing the elements of each trauma/trigger being processed.
Using bilateral stimulation to process the material
Using bilateral stimulation to enhance positive networks.
Mentally scanning the body for any residual trauma left in the body.
Debriefing, re-regulating and closing down of sessions.
Reviewing progress and adjusting therapy as needed.
What is AF-EMDR
Attachment Focused EMDR is a modified EMDR protocol which cab be helpful when processing attachment wounds and early experiences. As a practitioner, I start out with the plan to use the standard EMDR protocol, however, where appropriate may switch over the modified AF-EMDR protocol or blend the two depending on client need. The difference with the modified protocol is a more about the order of memory assessment, the removal of scales for the purpose of remaining in the “right brain” as attachment wounds are often stored more in the right brain and therefore need more right brain activation. Left brain activation and integration is needed too, however, bringing that in too soon can detach people from the trauma memory, which we want to avoid when processing- we need to light up the trauma network to work with the trauma. Additionally, more use if imagery in resourcing and during processing is used in AF-EMDR. This is because attachment wounds can be harder to heal and often do not have a neat solution.
We know from research, that imagining something lights up the same or similar networks in the brain as if the thing was actually happening. So we take advantage of this during processing by using imagery to help heal memories so they are then stored in a more helpful way which then results in a reduction of symptoms. This is also aided by the use of imagery in the form of nurturing, protective and wise figures (either real, historic, spiritual, fictional) or animals which provide feelings that were not present (either or enough at all) growing up.
The use of the modified protocol and imagery resources can help situations in processing where the standard EMDR protocol may get stuck with certain situations; helping you to heal at a
deeper level.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +44 74705 14551 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.