Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to alleviate the symptoms of traumatic experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR has since gained popularity as a treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction.
The technique involves the use of bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, tapping, or other sensory stimulation, while the patient focuses on a traumatic memory. The bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the processing of the memory by stimulating both the left and right sides of the brain. The goal is to reprocess the memory so that it is no longer traumatic, allowing the patient to move forward with their life without being held back by the past.
One of the key components of EMDR therapy is the use of a three-part protocol. The first part involves taking a thorough history of the patient’s life and identifying specific traumatic events that may be contributing to their current symptoms. The second part involves desensitizing the patient to the traumatic memory by having them focus on it while engaging in the bilateral stimulation. The third part involves reprocessing the memory by having the patient focus on a more positive belief or feeling while engaging in the bilateral stimulation.
The Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in a number of clinical trials. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Another study published in 2019 found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
In conclusion, EMDR therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that involves the use of bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories. The technique has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, among other conditions. While EMDR therapy is not without its critics, many mental health professionals continue to use it as a tool to help patients overcome the lingering effects of trauma and improve their mental health.
Learn more about the different mental health services offered at Continuum Outpatient!
