EMDR

Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy developed by Francine Shapiro that emphasizes the role of distressing memories in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is thought that when a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, it may overwhelm normal coping mechanisms. The memory and associated stimuli are inadequately processed and stored in an isolated memory network.

EMDR was originally developed to treat adults with PTSD; however, it is also used to treat trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents.

The goal of EMDR is to reduce the long-lasting effects of distressing memories by engaging the brain’s natural adaptive information processing mechanisms, thereby relieving present symptoms. The patient will recall distressing images while receiving side to side eye movements.

EMDR has a positive effect on how the brain processes information. Following an EMDR session, the person no longer relives the trauma. The person still recalls the incident, but no longer experiences difficult feelings associated with the memory.

During EMDR, the client is asked to breathe deeply and relax. The therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as a focus for the treatment session. The client then calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc. The therapist will then begin eye movements. These eye movements are used until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with a positive thought and belief about yourself.

EMDR has comparable results to that of other trauma treatments, such as exposure therapy, but over a shorter timeframe.

The typical EMDR session lasts from 60-90 minutes. We need to put 2 appointment slots in our diary for EMDR. Therefore, rather than asking people to pay for 2 sessions, we charge only an extra $20.

EMDR is endorsed by:

• World Health Organisation
• The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – 2009
• National Health and Medical Research Council – 2007
• American Psychiatric Association – 2004
• US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense – 2004
• Northern Ireland Department of Health – 2003
• Dutch Guidelines of Mental Health Care – 2003
• Israel National Council for Mental Health – 2002
• Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association – 1998
• Phoenix Australia – Centre for Postraumatic Mental Health

What happens to our bodies when we sleep?

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t simply just ‘switch off’ once we hit the pillow. Our brains and bodies change most drastically while we sleep.