What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to reprocess distressing memories.
Who does EMDR help?
EMDR is an evidence based treatment for disorders including (but not limited to):
PTSD (both single-incident and complex trauma)
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Personality disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
How does EMDR work?
When a significantly distressing event occurs, the memory is not always processed properly and can remain stuck. The goal of EMDR is to identity unprocessed memories, the overarching negative belief associated with them, reprocess the memories so they are no longer distressing and to integrate a positive, adaptive belief.
What does EMDR involve?
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment that includes:
Phase 1. History taking
This phase involves getting a thorough understanding of the presenting concern including symptoms and triggers, identifying negative beliefs and upsetting memories, identifying goals and treatment planning.
Phase 2. Preparation
This phase involves stabilisation and resource building to ensure individuals have a stable foundation, are appropriately prepared and have the skills necessary to commence processing. Although many people seeking EMDR can be very eager to commence the processing stage of EMDR, it’s important to first make sure you are ready.
Phases 3 - 7
Phases 3 to 7 is usually what would be considered a processing session and includes:
Assessment - activating the target memory
Desensitisation - using bilateral stimulation to desensitise and reprocess the memory
Installation - integrating the positive belief
Body Scan - ensuring all somatic symptoms have been processed
Closure - stabilisation and debriefing
Phase 8. Re-evaluation
In the following session, the target memory is re-evaluated to ensure it has been properly processed.
How long does EMDR take?
EMDR sessions are typically between 50 - 90 minutes in duration on a weekly basis.
As EMDR is tailored to each person, the number of sessions needed can differ. Single incident trauma may require less sessions compared to complex presentations. Some individuals also require more preparation time prior to starting the processing stage of EMDR.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
EMDR is not suitable for everyone and it is not always possible to commence EMDR immediately. This can include people experiencing:
Active psychosis
Substance abuse
Severe dissociation or;
People unable to tolerate distressing emotions
It is important to discuss the suitability of EMDR with your clinician. There are also many evidence-based treatments that may be more suitable prior to commencing EMDR.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
If you would like to find out if EMDR is right for you, discuss with your clinician, contact a health professional who is trained in providing EMDR (this can include a psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, counsellor etc with specific training in EMDR).
If you’d like to book an appointment for EMDR with Banksia Psychology Services, please contact info@banksiapsychology.au, schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation or book online and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Find out more:
You can find out more information via the following links:
https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/