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An informed guide to EMDR

Developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a scientific and evidence-based therapy known to be effective in resolving PTSD, traumatic memories, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual, physical abuse, and other negative experiences and negative thoughts.

EMDR involves recalling a stressful past event and “reprogramming” the memory with a positive, self-chosen belief, while using bilateral stimulation through rapid eye movements, tactile and auditory tones to facilitate the process. 

In the case of any negative, distressing or traumatic experiences, the attached emotions, memories, body sensations, thoughts, and beliefs that are overflowing are not channelled or stored in an appropriate manner. EMDR helps address these incidents and remove the block, so that the brain can process and make sense of experiences in a healthy way. Removing blocks essentially helps the brain to tap into its own ability to heal itself.

During therapy, you are asked to think or talk about memories, triggers, and painful emotions while simultaneously focusing on your therapist’s moving finger or light bar (if virtual) or another form of bilateral stimuli.   This enables you to access positive ways of reframing the original experience/trauma (reprocessing) and to release the body’s tired negative emotional charges around it (desensitisation). Some experts have noted that the eye movements involved in EMDR might be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM sleep. It may be thought of as a physiologically-based therapy that allows a person to see the material in a new and less distressing way. Others believe it reactivates parts of the brain that were ‘shut down’ as a coping mechanism. In this way cognitive reorganising takes place, allowing the negative, painful emotions to give way to more resolved, empowered feelings.

Phase 1: History taking phase: Getting a history
Phase 2: Preparation: Preparing a person for the trauma work through building coping skills (resource building or stabilization). 
Phase 3: Assessment: Determining the specific components of the first trauma that will be reprocessed
Phase 4: Desensitization 
Phase 5: Installing a positive belief about the self when recalling the trauma
Phase 6: Body scan – Checking in with the body for any residual trauma
Phase 7: Closure Closing of the session
Phase 8: Reevaluation during the next session to see if any new information has come up or changes have happened between sessions
The duration of therapy per session is one hour. However, the pace that you are comfortable with is prioritized throughout the course of therapy. You are welcome to pause when you need a break or stop the session for that day if you feel the need to do so. 

You are welcome to reprocess as many negative experiences as you wish in order to feel better. However, it is recommended that you go through the entire phase of the therapy so that you are prepared to handle similar situations in the future as well.

Every EMDR session is written out and documented. Documentation is a mandatory part of therapy. Sessions are not video or audio recorded unless otherwise specified.

EMDR treatment is facilitated by an accredited psychotherapist having EMDR Europe or EMDRIA-approved training.

In some cases, processing trauma or negative experiences may be too difficult initially because of age, life experiences, or complex trauma. In such cases, the ‘reverse protocol’ is used to reprocess starting with the future-present-past.

  1.  There are no known adverse side effects to this therapy, therefore can be discontinued at any time. 
  2. The process may or may not bring up other disturbing materials or memories which will also be targeted to reprocess.
  3. Mild discomfort and physical sensations associated with these experiences might be experienced as a result of trauma being stored in the body as well, which would dissipate with reprocessing as well. 
  4. Sometimes, disturbing elements may surface after a reprocessing session in the form of dreams, thoughts, sensations, memories, and triggers. Often the brain is able to reintegrate, reorganize and process without help, but timely assistance will be offered if required. 
  5. As with any other therapeutic approach, reprocessing traumatic memories can be uncomfortable; that means some people won’t like or won’t be able to tolerate EMDR treatment well. Others may need more preparation, offered by the therapist, before processing traumatic events using EMDR.

    Note: * If in case you are unable to cope, assistance will be offered in a timely manner. Alternative therapeutic approaches may include individual or group therapy, medication, or a different psychotherapy modality on an individual basis.
  1. Negative events or experiences are remembered but are no longer distressing. 
  2. Disturbing images, thoughts or physical sensations associated with the negative experiences do not intrude or invade any more. 
  3. Less intrusion of negative thoughts from the processed negative experiences.
  1. Be able to tolerate high levels of emotional disturbance, have the ability to reprocess associated memories resulting from EMDR therapy, and to use self-control and relaxation techniques such as calm place, container.
  2. Disclose to me and consult with your physician before EMDR therapy if you have a history of current eye problems, a diagnosed heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or are at risk for or have a history of stroke, heart attack, seizure or other limiting medical conditions that may put you at medical risk. Pregnant women should consult with their physician. Due to the stress related to reprocessing some traumatic events, postponing may be appropriate in some cases.
  3. Inform me if you wear contact lenses and remove them if they impede eye movements due to irritation or eye dryness. I will discontinue BLS if you report eye pain and other forms of stimulation can be substituted, if appropriate.
  4. Before participating in EMDR, discuss with me all aspects of an upcoming legal court case where testimony is required. You may need to postpone EMDR treatment if you are the victim or witness to a crime that is being prosecuted because the traumatic material processed using EMDR may fade, blur or disappear and your testimony may be challenged.
  5. Consult with your medical doctor before utilizing medication. Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of EMDR, for example, benzodiazepines may reduce effectiveness possibly due to state-dependent processing and/or regression may occur after ceasing antidepressants.
  6. EMDR is contraindicated with recent crack cocaine users and long-term amphetamine users.
  7. Discuss with me any dissociative disorders with little treatment progress. EMDR may trigger these symptoms, but may also be helpful in attempting to resolve them.