EMDR is a scientifically validated psychological approach in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More recently, clinical research has demonstrated that EMDR provides an effective treatment for phobias, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, performance anxiety, complicated grief and sexual and physical abuse. EMDR works by changing the way your brain processes traumatic or distressing memories, cognitions and emotions. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment.
What happens in an EMDR session?
During session, you’ll bring to mind the memories, images, thoughts, emotions and sensations associated with the traumatic or feared situation. Bilateral eye movements and/or tapping are used to keep you anchored in the present whilst observing or re-experiencing the effects of the distressing situation or memory.
EMDR can significantly accelerate the healing process after a traumatic experience and the effects are long lasting.
EMDR is designed to be used as a stand-alone process, but can also be effectively integrated into Cognitive and Behavioural techniques for the treatment of trauma and anxiety.
Treatment with EMDR can be rapid. The number of sessions required, however, will vary according to the complexity of the issues being dealt with. In general, the more isolated the traumatic memory being treated, the shorter the treatment tends to be.