EMDR

Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing

Lindsay has completed all 3 levels of training for EMDR practice 

EMDR is an adaptive information processing therapy that enables individuals to recover from the symptoms and emotional distress that results from trauma and adverse life experiences. Successful treatment relieves distress, reformulates unhelpful beliefs and reduces uncomfortable physical arousal.

It follows a structured format and incorporates elements from many effective psychotherapies, including body-centred, interpersonal, experiential, cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapies.  Issues are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach and attention is given to the past, present, and the future:

• Past – disturbing memories or related events
• Present – current situations or triggers of physical, cognitive and emotional difficulty and/or distress.
• Future – positive future action supported by skill and attitude development.

Developed by Dr Francine Shapiro, it is one of only two approved treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (NICE, 2005).

What happens during EMDR therapy?

After identifying the memories that are linked to current problems, the therapist will determine which memory to target first.  The client is asked to hold different elements of that experience in mind for brief periods of time, whilst simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus directed by the therapist.  This may include following therapist directed bilateral eye movements, hand-tapping or audio stimulation.

Clients generally gain additional insights that help them to adjust their beliefs and conclusions, to diminish emotional distress and to develop adaptive behaviours.

For more information see: EMDR Association – What is EMDR?