EMDR & Trauma Related Disorders

Table of Contents

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A Promising Treatment for Trauma-Related Disorders

Introduction: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that has gained increasing attention for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How EMDR Works

EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences and the associated thoughts and emotions. The following are key points that help explain how EMDR works:

Traumatic experiences can cause maladaptive processing in the brain. When someone experiences trauma, the brain may struggle to process the event in a healthy way. This can lead to a range of psychological symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance.
EMDR addresses the underlying brain processes involved in trauma. The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain than non-traumatic memories. EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural ability to heal itself by reprocessing these traumatic memories in a way that promotes healing.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to promote processing. During an EMDR session, the therapist will use a structured protocol that involves bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of eye movements, to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. The bilateral stimulation is believed to activate the brain’s information processing system, which helps to reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that is more adaptive.
EMDR helps to create new, more adaptive beliefs and emotions. As the traumatic memory is reprocessed, the individual is able to develop new, more adaptive beliefs and emotions about the experience. For example, they may begin to see themselves as more resilient or capable than they previously believed.
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for trauma-related disorders. Research has shown that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Studies have found that EMDR is at least as effective as other evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

EMDR is a promising approach for individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling with the associated symptoms. The therapy works by helping the brain to process traumatic memories in a way that promotes healing and the development of more adaptive beliefs and emotions.

What to Expect During an EMDR Session

EMDR sessions are typically structured and follow a specific protocol. The following are key points to keep in mind when attending an EMDR session:

The therapist will first assess your history and symptoms. Before beginning EMDR, the therapist will typically conduct a comprehensive assessment to better understand your history of trauma and associated symptoms. This will help them tailor the therapy to your specific needs.
You will be asked to identify a target memory. During an EMDR session, the therapist will ask you to identify a specific target memory that is related to your traumatic experiences. This memory will serve as the focus of the session.
Bilateral stimulation will be used to process the target memory. Once you have identified the target memory, the therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This is designed to help you process the traumatic memory in a more adaptive way.
You will be asked to describe the memory and associated emotions. As you engage in the bilateral stimulation, the therapist will ask you to describe the memory and associated emotions. This is designed to help you stay present and engaged with the processing of the memory.
The therapist will help you develop more adaptive beliefs. As you process the memory, the therapist will guide you in developing new, more adaptive beliefs and emotions about the experience. This may involve reframing negative beliefs and developing a more positive sense of self.
The session may include additional techniques. Depending on your specific needs, the therapist may also use other techniques such as visualization or body awareness exercises.
EMDR typically involves several sessions. While some individuals may experience significant relief after just a few sessions, EMDR typically involves several sessions to fully process the target memory and associated emotions.

Attending an EMDR session can be a helpful step towards processing traumatic memories and developing more adaptive beliefs and emotions. The therapist will guide you through a structured protocol that involves bilateral stimulation, and will help you stay present and engaged with the processing of the traumatic memory.

Effectiveness of EMDR

EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of trauma-related disorders. The following are key points to keep in mind when considering the effectiveness of EMDR:

EMDR has been extensively studied. EMDR has been studied extensively in randomized controlled trials, with many studies showing its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
EMDR is recommended by several professional organizations. EMDR is recommended by several professional organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association, as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
EMDR is comparable in effectiveness to other evidence-based therapies. EMDR has been found to be comparable in effectiveness to other evidence-based therapies for PTSD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
EMDR can be effective in a relatively short period of time. While the number of sessions needed may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms, EMDR has been shown to be effective in a relatively short period of time compared to other forms of therapy.
EMDR can lead to lasting changes. Many individuals who have undergone EMDR report lasting changes in their symptoms and improved quality of life, even several years after treatment.

EMDR has been extensively studied and is recommended by several professional organizations as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders. It has been found to be comparable in effectiveness to other evidence-based therapies, and can lead to lasting changes in symptoms and overall quality of life.

Here are some references that you may find helpful:

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.
Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A Meta-Analysis of the Contribution of Eye Movements in Processing Emotional Memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239.
van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, J. W., Hopper, E. K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A Randomized Clinical Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Fluoxetine, and Pill Placebo in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of PTSD and Complex PTSD. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Bisson, J. I., & Andrew, M. (2007). Psychological Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD003388.
Hase, M., Schallmayer, S., & Sack, M. (2008). EMDR Reprocessing of the Addiction Memory: Pretreatment, Posttreatment, and 1-Month Follow-Up. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 170-179.
Wilson, S. A., Becker, L. A., & Tinker, R. H. (1995). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Treatment for Psychologically Traumatized Individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(6), 928-937.
Schneider, J., Hofmann, A., Rost, C., & Shapiro, F. (2008). EMDR in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(3), 383-393.

These references cover a range of topics related to EMDR, including its effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders, its use in treating addiction and borderline personality disorder, and guidelines from professional organizations on the use of EMDR in clinical practice.