EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a specific protocol to assist with the reprocessing of traumatic memories. It has since been used for a variety of other life challenges, such as anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, core beliefs, complex grief, addictions, body dysmorphic disorders, etc. EMDR has been validated by extensive research for PTSD, and research on other applications is currently in progress. As stated by the EMDR International Association, when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values. Dual attention stimuli are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one’s self. During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.