EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is primarily used to treat trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but has since been applied to a broader range of mental health issues.

EMDR helps people process and heal from distressing life experiences by stimulating the brain’s natural ability to recover, using bilateral stimulation (e.g. guided eye movements, tapping, or tones).

 

Core features of EMDR therapy

• EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological distress arises when traumatic memories are stored dysfunctionally.

• It does not require detailed talking about the trauma or homework between sessions.

• Treatment typically involves eight phases, including:

  • History taking

  • Preparation and resource development

  • Assessment of target memory

  • Desensitization (with bilateral stimulation)

  • Installation of positive beliefs

  • Body scan

  • Closure and reevaluation

 

Who EMDR is suitable for

EMDR is well-suited for individuals experiencing:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Single-incident trauma (e.g. car accident, assault)

• Complex trauma or developmental trauma

• Phobias

• Panic disorder

• Performance anxiety

• Grief and loss

• Chronic pain and somatic symptoms

 

It is especially effective for people who:

• Struggle to talk about their trauma

• Have vivid, intrusive memories or flashbacks

• Have not responded to traditional talk therapies

 

Who EMDR may not be suitable for:

EMDR may be less appropriate for or require adaptation in individuals who:

• Are in a state of severe emotional instability, such as active psychosis or manic episodes

• Are actively suicidal or have self-harming behaviours that are not yet stabilized

• Have complex dissociative disorders without adequate stabilization

• Are unable to tolerate emotional distress during sessions or have limited affect regulation skills

• Have neurological or eye movement impairments that interfere with bilateral stimulation (though alternatives like tactile or auditory stimulation can be used)

 

As EMDR requires clients to access distressing material, careful screening and preparation are essential, particularly for those with complex trauma or dissociative symptoms.

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References

• Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). (2013). Australian guidelines for the treatment of acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au

• World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505406

• Maxfield, L., & Hyer, L. (2002). The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1131