Understanding EMDR Therapy: Process, Effectiveness, and Research

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapy approach. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has become a widely recognized treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences.

The EMDR Process

EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach:

1. History-taking: The therapist collects information about the client’s history and identifies potential targets for EMDR treatment.
2. Preparation: The client is prepared for EMDR by establishing trust, explaining the method, and teaching self-calming techniques.
3. Assessment: The therapist helps the client identify specific memories to target and the negative beliefs associated with them.
4. Desensitization: The core of EMDR treatment, where bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) is used while the client focuses on the traumatic memory.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened to replace the negative ones associated with the traumatic memories.
6. Body scan: The client is asked to observe their physical response while thinking of the event and the positive belief, addressing any residual tension.
7. Closure: Ensures the client leaves each session feeling better than at the start.
8. Re-evaluation: At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist checks to ensure that the positive results have been maintained.

During the bilateral stimulation phases, the client focuses on the memory while simultaneously engaging in eye movements, usually following the therapist’s fingers moving back and forth across the client’s field of vision. Alternatively, hand taps or auditory tones may be used for bilateral stimulation.

How EMDR Works

The exact mechanism of EMDR is still under investigation, but several theories exist:

• Working Memory Theory: Suggests that the dual attention aspect of EMDR taxes working memory, making the memory less vivid and emotional when recalled.
• REM-like State: Proposes that the eye movements in EMDR mimic those in REM sleep, facilitating memory processing and integration.
• Adaptive Information Processing: Shapiro’s model suggests that EMDR helps access and process traumatic memories to integrate them into standard memory networks.

Effectiveness and Statistics

EMDR has been extensively researched and has shown impressive results:

• A meta-analysis by Chen et al. (2014) found that EMDR therapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and subjective distress in PTSD patients[1].
• The World Health Organization (2013) recommends EMDR as a treatment of choice for post-traumatic stress disorder in children, adolescents, and adults[2].
• A study by van der Kolk et al. (2007) found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer met the criteria for PTSD after six 50-minute EMDR sessions[3].
• Research indicates that EMDR can be effective in as few as 3-6 sessions for single-incident traumas, while complex traumas may require more sessions[4].
• A study by de Roos et al. (2017) found EMDR to be slightly more effective than CBT in treating PTSD in children, with faster reduction of symptoms[5].

Applications Beyond PTSD

While EMDR was initially developed for PTSD, its application has expanded to treat various conditions:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Pain management
• Addiction
• Grief and loss

Research in these areas is ongoing, with promising results in many fields.

Safety and Considerations

EMDR is generally considered safe, with fewer side effects than some pharmacological treatments for PTSD. However, it can be emotionally intense, and clients may experience distressing memories between sessions. This is why the preparation phase and ongoing support from a trained EMDR therapist are crucial.

At Crown Counseling, our EMDR therapists are certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and stay current with the latest research and techniques. We ensure that EMDR is applied safely and effectively, tailoring the approach to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

If you’re considering EMDR therapy or have questions about whether it might be right for you, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our experienced team is here to provide information, answer your questions, and support you in your journey towards healing.

[References]

1. Chen, Y. R., et al. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One, 9(8), e103676.
2. World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. Geneva: WHO.
3. van der Kolk, B. A., et al. (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.
4. Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71-77.
5. de Roos, C., et al. (2017). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, cognitive behavioral writing therapy, and wait-list in pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder following single-incident trauma: A multicenter randomized clinical trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(11), 1219-1228.