EMDR
Testimonials
A sense of optimism has been achieved
I knew little if anything about EMDR prior to it being introduced to me by Gemma, and after experiencing the process, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough as a tool to help process trauma and learnt to cope better with life’s trials and tribulations, and how past events impact the day to day.
The process definitely drew out many emotions and feelings, but each felt under a certain element of control, which had not been the case before, and was definitely an unusual but positive feeling.
Reflecting on the now and the uncharted territory, a sense of optimism has been achieved through this process that I had not felt before. A sense of control and understanding, that my difficulties will always be with me, but they do not have to define me. Situations that had once crippled me in one way or another, I am able to feel more at ease coping with. Not as pent up with anger, mistrust or trepidation, but a securing sense of calmness and understanding. Difficult situations that would have flooded me, are now more of a calming stream that passes through a little more gently than before.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) was first introduced in 1987 by Francine Sharpiro. She discovered that eye movement decreased her own distressing memories when she practiced the technique. Over the years Sharpiro found other elements that helped reduce traumatic symptoms and created a 8 phase treatment protocol.
This type of therapy desensitises upsetting memories that are ‘stuck’ in our long-term memory network. EMDR does not erase traumatic memories but works on reducing the distress they cause. These are the memories we want to block out, or we have found ways to do so (possibly by numbing with alcohol, drugs or being distracted). We hope that by not thinking about them, we will not be affected; but this is rarely the case. It could be years after the event when something will trigger the trauma to come back. For example, a bad dream, flashback, or a panic attack. Or it could be, seeing particular people, certain smells or watching a tv programme. Anything that reminds you of the original trauma.
How it works
The traumatic experience is activated from our long-term memory network into our short-term memory. Next, the therapist will use bilateral movement through eye movement or tapping. This stimulates both sides of the brain at the same time. By focusing on the past traumatic memory at the same time as focusing on the quick movement of the therapist’s fingers, the working memory can process the traumatic information that has been stuck or is triggered by day-to-day events. Eventually the original feelings, thoughts, sensations or memories lose their intensity, become ‘fuzzy’ and, are less emotionally disturbing.
Although EMDR may sound strange, it is backed by a strong evidence base in treating trauma, anxiety, phobias and other presentations. For example, the NICE guidelines recommend EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are considering EMDR, please make sure the therapist is trained by an Accredited EMDR association in all 3 levels (4 if working with children).
Will I be retraumatised?
Answer: In short, no. During EMDR you may feel initially upset, panicky or even distressed. If this happens, it means EMDR is processing the thoughts, feelings, sensations you are carrying around with you. EMDR releases the unpleasant memories in a safe and controlled space, where we can process them in the ‘here and now.’
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
Although they share some similarities, they are not the same. In hypnosis client’s often report feeling like they are in a trance like state. In EMDR the client is fully awake, conscious and in control.
Everyone is different, but generally, you will need fewer EMDR sessions than other forms of therapy. Anything between 4- 12 sessions is typical. Sessions are usually 50-70 minutes in length.