What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; however, the technique works on the basis of bilateral stimulation of the brain, so tapping and sound can also be used. Bilateral stimulation means that both the right and left sides of the brain are involved. This seems to unlock the traumatic memories so that the brain can reprocess the memories allowing them to become less disturbing.

EMDR was discovered in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro whose research noted that it was very successful in relieving chronic distress in survivors of trauma. EMDR is now the most researched treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  While other therapies have met with limited success in treating survivors of trauma, EMDR has been proven to be effective as well as have lasting effects.

EMDR is used to treat troubling symptoms that are a result of disturbing experiences, such as:
• Abuse
• Addictions
• Anger
• Anxiety, panic, phobias
• Depression
• Grief
• Guilt, shame, low self-worth
• PTSD (including flashbacks, nightmares)
• Sleep disturbance.

How does it work?
First of all, it is important to understand that the brain has a natural mechanism for processing disturbing events; however, when a traumatic experience is overwhelming the brain may not be able to process it in the usual way. When this happens the brain goes into a loop as it keeps trying to process the material, e.g., thoughts, feelings, body sensations, nightmares, flashbacks or re-enactments.

Trauma memories are located in the right hemisphere of the brain with a strong connection to the neurobiological systems. Bilateral stimulation connects these to parts of the brain where verbal processes don’t exist (e.g., body memories). The shifts from left to right allow for more conscious access to these memories and the networks of associations among them. This dynamic shifting of information helps clients to metabolize what they had previously stored/learned from the trauma, e.g., negative beliefs, the emotions feeding these and/or body sensations, including pre-verbal.

Once these associations are brought into conscious awareness they can then be reprocessed into more positive beliefs, such that clients can begin to see the traumatic experience(s) and themselves in less disturbing, more functional ways in the present. This resolution effect is part of the human’s inherent drive toward mental health, just as the body is geared to heal physical wounds.

What happens afterwards?
You may continue to process material for days or even weeks after a session, perhaps having new insights, vivid dreams, strong feelings or memory recall. This may feel confusing but it is just a continuation of the healing process, and should simply be reported to the therapist at the next session. (However, if you become concerned or depressed you should call your therapist immediately.) As the distressing symptoms fade, you can work with the therapist on developing new skills and ways of coping.

How long does EMDR therapy take?
This depends on several factors including the nature of the problem being treated, the client’s history, and the client’s ability to tolerate high levels of disturbance. In some cases one EMDR treatment is enough but it usually takes weeks to months and sometimes years of treatment are required, typically, in very severe cases.

What experts say…
“With the development of EMDR, Francine Shapiro has made a profound contribution to our knowledge of illness and healing.” David A. Console, MD, Director of the Trauma Recovery Program, Menninger Clinic

“Dr. Shapiro applies EMDR to a wide range of disorders and problems and shows how individuals can gain mastery of previously overwhelming experiences, phobia, anxiety, and bereavement.” Denise Galinas, PhD, Harvard University

What Clients say…
“Now when I talk about what happened to me, it’s definitely reality, but the fear’s not there anymore… It’s astounding. I’ve been given a portion of my life back.” Emily G., survivor of abduction and rape, quoted in American Health

“The treatment made me look deep, very deep, into my own existence. I’m more attentive to my feelings. Now I treasure each and every moment of my life.” Richard W., mine fire survivor, quoted in Family Therapy Newsletter

For more information visit the Francine Shapiro Library online.