What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that can be used to reprocess trauma.
This technique is based on the reprocessing of painful memories and experiences through bilateral brain stimulation. At the beginning of the studies, the reprocessing was visual, but nowadays, there is already reprocessing based on auditory or tactile stimuli.
In summary: throughout our lives, we go through painful, complex or traumatic situations that are “frozen” at the moment when the event occurred. Thus, this situation can bring symptoms such as malaise and difficulties at the current time.
Therefore, in EMDR therapy London, the patient’s clinical history will be taken, in order to be able to identify and reprocess their memories. That is, from this stimulation, therapy allows the patient to be able to make a connection between memories and emotions , giving a more adaptive meaning to the event.
However, it is important to say that the objective of EMDR is not to make the person forget the traumas they have experienced, but to allow them to have another emotional reading for the painful events.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that, despite having evidence of results for certain cases, more evidence is still needed to strengthen the theory and better explain the mechanism behind this type of therapy.
Who invented EMDR?
This therapy was discovered by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, an American, in the late 80’s. A curious fact is that, in the beginning, it wasn’t called EMDR, but EMD (without the reprocessing part).
However, she gradually discovered that, by moving her eyes, generating stimulation and activating some memories, the emotional charge of the memory would “decrease”.
Much of the initial research was even carried out with war veterans. Throughout her studies, Dr. Shapiro realized that, in addition to desensitization, reprocessing took place. That is, there was a certain association with other issues and the traumas acquired a new meaning in that person’s life.
Therefore, the name was adapted to the one we use today.
What problems can EMDR be used for?
When we talk about trauma, it is common for people to imagine major traumatic events, but is EMDR just for that?
No! In fact, there are traumas that are more complex, from situations that are more threatening to people’s lives. However, this does not mean that only these people can perform the treatment with this technique.
Therefore, EMDR is indicated for all kinds of painful situations and events that are difficult and complicated to face, regardless of age or stage of life.
In particular, we can mention Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which occurs as a result of a stressful event. This disorder generates symptoms of anxiety, with physical and psychological manifestations that bring a lot of suffering to the person.
For this therapy, trauma is any type of memory that has not been processed, that is, a memory that every time it is remembered causes discomfort and negative symptoms for the person.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy works through bilateral stimuli. But what does it mean?
In short, the stimuli can be visual, auditory (through headphones or sounds made with the hands) or tactile (with predetermined rhythms and speeds). Theories even believe that these techniques work because they stimulate different regions of the brain.
In practice, it works like a journey through thoughts: the therapist will look for “target memories” and activate these memories through important situations. For example: a memory is chosen, and, from that, an image, an emotion and a physical sensation that represent that memory.
Therefore, for EMDR, the relationship between traumatic experiences and bodily sensations is very important.
What do health agencies say about this technique?
When we think about the health area, regulatory and responsible bodies play a vital role. In this case, it is useful to understand what the Federal Council of Psychology (CFP) and the American Psychological Association (APA) say.
A treatment, to be considered effective, needs to go through a series of studies and research before professionals start using it. With that in mind, let’s see how this relates to the EMDR technique.
For the CFP, the psychologist’s code of ethics must be followed. This means that the psychologist must be careful to only use techniques and theories that are scientific, that is, that have gone through the study phase. Therefore, it is vital that the professional is always studying and attentive to what is scientific and what is not.
As for APA, it is still necessary to study this therapy further. This body considers the EMDR technique as “conditionally recommended”, that is, the evidence does not suggest that it is the best treatment for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
But, even if it is not the most effective treatment available, it can be an alternative according to the case. It is for this reason that the search for a serious and ethical professional who will do everything in the safest possible way is vital.
