Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate stress associated with traumatic memories.
Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the therapy uses eye movements or rhythmic tapping to change the manner in which memories are stored in the brain, allowing the subject to process it in a healthier manner. EMDR therapy helps the brain process and release traumatic memories.
Trauma can manifest in several ways. Early childhood trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or abrupt separation from caregivers, can result in reactive attachment disorder (RAD) or other developmental problems, which may persist into adulthood.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop from traumatic events at any age, such as warfare, sexual assault, child abuse, or other violent acts.
Other conditions that may result from trauma include acute stress disorder (ASD), disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), adjustment disorder, and dissociative disorders, as well as anxiety, depression, substance use, and personality disorders.
It is not unusual for victims of trauma, particularly that occurring early in life, to suffer the effects of these experiencing even without having a conscious memory of the cause. This is particularly true of children with reactive attachment disorder.
Past disturbing experiences, whether consciously recalled or not, continue to cause distress because the memories have not been adequately processed. These unprocessed memories contain the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations that were present at the time of the event. The triggering of these memories is the cause of PTSD and other disorders, including RAD, as there are elements of PTSD in RAD.
Through EMDR, the patient is encouraged to focus briefly on the traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements, reducing the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma. EMDR focuses directly on the memories rather than the emotions. Rather than helping subjects deal with their long-term responses to past trauma, EMDR is intended to change how the memories are stored in the brain, with the goal of reducing or eliminating problematic symptoms.
Standardized EMDR procedures incorporate the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic (left-right) bilateral stimulation, such as lights, tones, or taps. While the client is directed to briefly focus on the memory of the trauma, bilateral stimulation can reduce the negative emotions associated with the memories.
EMDR therapy does not require talking at length about the disturbing issue or completing homework between lessons. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, the therapy is designed to resolve the unprocessed traumatic memories, allowing the brain to resume its natural healing process.
The brain's natural healing process involves communication between the amygdala, which is the alarm signal for stressful events, the hippocampus, which assists with learning, including memories having to do with safety and danger, and the prefrontal cortex, which analyzes and controls emotions and behavior. While traumatic experiences are often managed and resolved spontaneously, sometimes help is required.
Stress responses are part of the human fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When these responses are not processed spontaneously, the upsetting images, sounds, thoughts, and emotions can be triggered, emotionally putting the subject back in that moment. EMDR therapy assists the brain in processing these memories so that the healing process can resume. The memories are still there, but the stress response is resolved.
EMDR therapy can help to resolve a range of conditions, including anxiety, panic attacks and phobias, chronic illness and medical issues, depression, bipolar disorder, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, performance anxiety, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, reactive attachment disorder, sexual assaults, sleep problems, substance abuse and addiction, and violence and abuse.
Generally used as a complementary intervention for mental health issues, it should be administered by licensed mental health clinicians who have been properly trained in the procedure.
EMDR is controversial within the psychological community. The therapy has been characterized by some as a pseudoscience. The argument is that the underlying theory and primary therapeutic mechanisms are non-scientific, and the results are non-specific.
Where conventional medical guidelines recommend EMDR therapy, it is usually conditionally recommended for treating PTSD.
Recommended Resources
ActiveEMDR offers a web-based application for therapists to use bilateral/dual attention stimulation in person or via telehealth. Also known as virtual or remote EMDR, its tools are free and available to trained EMDR therapists and their clients. When using the application, therapists are asked to enter a session password of their choosing, which their clients can use when they sign in for the session. An online contact form is provided, and instructions are available.
https://activeemdr.com/
EMDR Basic Training Continuing Education Program
The Cummings Graduate Institute (CGI) for Behavioral Health Studies offers a CEU course in EMDR Basic Training designed to provide experiential training to familiarize students with a spectrum of EMDR therapy applications that accelerate the treatment of pathologies related to disturbing events and present life conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Course schedules, admissions policies, tuition, learning objectives, and program requirements are posted.
https://cgi.edu/emdr/
Providing training and certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for mental health professionals, its eligibility requirements are stated, along with course fees, payment options, course dates, online registration, policy information, and a description of the courses. Business hours, contacts, an online contact form, a calendar of events, and alumni testimonials are published, and general information about EMDR therapy is included.
https://www.emdrinstruction.com/
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the Center offers online and in-person EMDR therapy training, continuing education in EMDR, an EMDR refresher course, an EMDR therapy certification program, and an EMDR professionals program, which are featured here, with an overview, schedules, and other details. An informational video explains EMDR therapy to potential clients and the general public, and several articles on EMDR therapy, EMDR research, and EMDR treatment guidelines.
https://emdrtrainingcenter.com/
Situated in the Broadway House in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, the EMDR training facility offers interactive, trainee-centered, small-group EMDR training accredited by EMDR Europe and EMDR UK. Its training program includes a timetable, a list of learning elements, information on its accreditation status, eligibility requirements, costs, and other details. The address, contacts, and an online contact form are provided, and an application form can be downloaded.
https://emdrworks.org/
The Maiberger Institute provides remote EMDR training and workshops for mental health professionals. Founded by Barb Maiberger, author of several textbooks on the subject, clinicians who study through the Institute will learn EMDR therapy as a therapeutic modality, not just as a tool in their toolbox. EMDR training programs, refresher courses, and certification are discussed, along with a calendar of events, the EMD grief protocol, a therapist directory, a blog, and an online shopping area.
https://maibergerinstitute.com/
Scaling Up offers training for mental health professionals to learn scalable, global-impact interventions, including various live, online, in-person, and on-demand training programs and courses, including advanced training for EMDR therapists. Courses in EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Intensives, an EMDR Therapy Refresher, EMDR Therapy Protocols for Early Intervention and Ongoing Traumatic Stress, and Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Procedures are offered, along with other programs.
https://scalingupemdr.com/
Trauma Recovery: EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs
Trauma Recovery/HAP is increasing its use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapies to treat trauma victims worldwide through expanded access to EMDR-trained professionals. The organization trains and supports mental health professionals through SAMHSA-approved EMDR and specialty workshops and the formation of community-based networks of trauma recovery professionals. Its faculty, training, projects, and Trauma Recovery Networks are introduced.
https://www.emdrhap.org/
