What Is EMDR Therapy? Why Devoted Trauma Therapists Should Care!

EMDR is a relatively new form of therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It has been in use since the early 1990s but only really came to the attention of the public when Oprah Winfrey featured it on her television program in 1998. Since then it has been used with great success by thousands of therapists worldwide.

The therapy was initially developed for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it can be used with any type of trauma, including those suffered during childhood. The therapy uses eye movements to help the person re-experience their trauma in order to process it. The therapist will use their hands to guide the patient's eyes to follow a specific pattern of movements. This allows the patient to relive their experience in their mind, allowing them to make sense of what happened to them.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based treatment for trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR has been proven to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. It has been used successfully in children, adolescents, adults, and veterans.

It is thought that EMDR works because it enables the patient to become aware of their emotional responses to the event. Once they are aware of these responses, they can work through them and release them. The process takes about 45 minutes and can be repeated as often as necessary.

Although there is no conclusive proof that EMDR works, it is believed to be very effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. There have been many case studies published which show that EMDR is an extremely effective treatment.

However, it is important to note that it is not a cure. The patient will still need to work through their trauma on their own, and will still suffer from symptoms of PTSD.

There are three steps to EMDR: Eye Movement, Distraction, and Refocusing. First, the therapist uses a series of eye movements to help the patient's brain process the traumatic memory. This helps to change the way the patient thinks about the event. The second step involves using a variety of distractions to help the patient change their thoughts. Finally, the third step consists of the therapist guiding the patient through a refocusing exercise that allows the patient to think about the traumatic event differently.

The first step of the therapy is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing. In this step, the therapist will ask the patient to follow a moving object with their eyes. The therapist may also use tapping on the patient's hands. The therapist will then move on to the second step, which is called Distraction. The therapist will guide the patient through a variety of distracting activities. The therapist will encourage the patient to think about anything other than the traumatic event.

The third step of the therapy is called Refocusing. In this step, the patient will focus on something other than the traumatic event. They will be encouraged to focus on things that make them feel safe or good. For example, they may be asked to think about a happy memory from their childhood.

At the beginning of the therapy, the therapist will not ask the patient to focus on the traumatic event. Instead, the therapist will simply ask the patient to focus on their breathing. The therapist will then guide the patient through a series of eye movements. The therapist will continue to guide the patient through these steps until the patient is able to complete the therapy without any assistance from the therapist.

EMDR can be used with all age groups. However, it is especially helpful for children and adolescents. Children often have difficulty processing the information that is being presented to them. Therefore, the therapist needs to work quickly. Also, children often have difficulty expressing their feelings. Therefore, the therapist needs the child to verbalize their feelings. The therapist will need to be patient and understanding with the child.

The therapist needs to understand that some people do not respond to EMDR. Therefore, the therapist should explain the therapy to the patient and their family. If the patient cannot tolerate the treatment, the therapist should try to use another form of trauma treatment or refer the patient to another therapist. 

The therapy has also been used successfully to treat phobias and other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and addictions. It can also be used with children and adolescents who have been exposed to sexual abuse or violence.

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