Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that has been used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias (Knipe et al., 2018). EMDR combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy with eye movements, or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help the patient process and reprocess traumatic memories.
The theory behind EMDR is that when traumatic memories are not processed, they become ‘stuck’ in the brain, leading to intense emotions and physical sensations when the memory is recalled. Through EMDR, the traumatic memory is reprocessed and the negative feelings and sensations associated with it are reduced or eliminated (Knipe et al., 2018).
During an EMDR session, the therapist will ask the patient to recall a traumatic memory while tracking the patient’s eye movements with a light bar or hand-held device. The therapist will also provide bilateral stimulation, such as sound or taps, to help the patient reprocess the memory. This process is repeated until the memory no longer causes distress or discomfort (Knipe et al., 2018).
EMDR has been found to be effective in reducing distress associated with traumatic memories and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Studies have found that EMDR is as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD, and that the effects of EMDR can be long-lasting (Knipe et al., 2018).
The mechanisms behind EMDR are not yet fully understood, but research suggests that it is the combination of eye movements and bilateral stimulation that helps the patient reprocess the memory. It is thought that the eye movements help activate the brain’s natural healing processes (Knipe et al., 2018).
Overall, EMDR is an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions, particularly PTSD. It is a safe and non-invasive therapy that can help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories and improve the patient’s mental wellbeing.
References
Knipe, T., Bisson, J., Roberts, N., Gray, M., & Greenberg, N. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub3