Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique form of psychotherapy designed to work with distressing or traumatic memories. Many psychological difficulties are a consequence of distressing life events. EMDR focuses on the disturbing emotions and symptoms associated with the event.
Research so far highlights positive results in the following areas:
Compared to other methods of therapy, EMDR has been rated as a far more effective approach by mental health professionals. Many studies have shown that people who have EMDR therapy can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. Clients can experience emotional healing at an accelerated rate. If you think of the metaphor of a driving a car through a tunnel to get to the other side, (the tunnel represents the journey of healing and the other side of the tunnel represents the light (a healed state). EMDR is like driving your car through the dark tunnel while being totally supported by your therapist. You eventually come out of the tunnel feeling less distressed and more empowered.
Normal non-distressing memories are stored in the region of the brain known as the hippocampus. It can be helpful to think of the hippocampus as a librarian which files memories of life events storing them in the correct place. However, when life events are so traumatic and overwhelming, for some reason the hippocampus does not do its job properly. The distressing memory such as bullying or an assault does not get filed (processed) properly and is still in its raw form causing the person to feel distress. EMDR helps to process these distressing memories so it is stored in the correct file which no longer causes the person distress.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, gentle tapping, buzzers or auditory tones to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and heal a troubling memory. Bilateral stimulation is used more commonly with eye movements. During a ‘processing’ session you will be asked to move your visual attention from side to side while focusing on the traumatic memory.
The number of sessions will depend on the type and severity of the trauma. Sessions are usually between 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions are offered in Swansea and Port Talbot.
Animation to explain EMDR Therapy and Trauma to Adults.
What is EMDR Therapy? Trauma Therapy Explained by Psychologist Dr Maxine King.
Introduction to EMDR Therapy.
What is EMDR Therapy?
