Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy used for trauma type disorders or situations that have caused extreme stress such as in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This form of therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro. It is considered to have an evidence base in trauma care. The International Society of Stress Studies Practice Guidelines lists EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for adults.

Research continues on EMDR. In one analysis it was found to be as effective as exposure therapy and SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) anti-depressants. EMDR is an evidence-based equal to Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), problem-centered therapy, and/or other exposure-based therapies. It is still considered to be somewhat controversial, and researchers have been critical of what was included in the studies that EMDR was compared to.

 

EMDR uses an eight-stage protocol, and addresses memories of traumatic events that have been stored, and come to the surface causing distress. The theory is that while a client focuses on a disturbing event, that attention is also focused elsewhere. The second area of focus is eye movement, a clap, a finger snap or another area of focus on movement. The client is then asked what associative information was discovered during the procedure. That answer becomes the basis of the next set which is repeated many times during a session.

Unprocessed traumatic events may trigger distressing memories and problem behaviors many months and years after the original traumatic event happened. The distressing memories and problem behaviors may cause their own trauma as well. This is what happens during flash backs, negative beliefs that are tied to the trauma, and dreams/nightmares that may occur.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) attempts to forge new and better connections that are better based in reality (less focused on intensified trauma), are more based in the present and are more positive. EMDR also attempts to make more connection pathways. These are then considered to replace the bad connections. The end result is the elimination of the former perpetual distress, arousal (when the flash backs happened), and repeating traumas caused by the initial traumatic event.

There is no well-defined explanation as to how and why EMDR works. There are three different explanations about how some type of external happening (claps, eye movements, etc.) may help a client process through a traumatic event.

People who criticize EMDR argue that eye movement has no central role, and that the practice is not provable. One study found that EMDR was not as effective as traditional exposure therapy, while other researchers found it to be of at least equal value. Other studies have found that while effective, it is the exposure to the experience that makes it so.

EMDR has also been used in anxiety, depression, personal improvement and creativity stimulation, and other uses; but results have not been proven effective due to a lack of studies.

No single theory or answer exists that explains why EMDR works.