I have been using EMDR more and more and with great success in my clinical practice lately so I thought it might be helpful to say a little more about what it is and what’s involved.
EMDR is a practice that is completely different to any other therapy. It involves stimulating the part of the brain, via eye movements to actively process trauma in the form of memories, either visual or somatic so that when that memory is recalled again in the future, it doesn’t evoke the same level of distress. It is not hypnotherapy and you remain in control at all times.
Which conditions can be treated with EMDR?
NICE guidelines state that EMDR is the Gold Standard treatment for symptoms of PTSD. However, in private practice therapists are using EMDR with great success for a range of traumatic experiences and presenting symptoms including:
Anxiety, Addictions, Complicated grief, Fear, Phobias, Panic attacks, Performance anxiety, Physical pain, Sleep problems, Stress and Self esteem
Big T traumas such as assault, an accident or other life changing event that involves direct threat to safety or survival.
Little t traumas such as the cumulative effects of smaller persistent negative experiences.
How does it work?
The mind can often heal itself naturally in the same way the body does. Much of this natural healing happens by a process called Adaptive Information processing or AIP. Our brain processes naturally when we enter REM sleep. The brain naturally uses AIP to cope with stressors (trauma).
Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in 1987. She utilised the brain’s natural ability to process trauma to successfully treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and since then EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of other problems as well.
Why do I like EMDR?
Since experiencing first hand the positive effects of EMDR I decided to train once I had achieved the correct level of qualification and experience to be accepted onto a course Accredited by the EMDR Association. EMDR is an advanced psychotherapy and must only be conducted by an appropriately trained therapist, you can find more information here: https://emdrassociation.org.uk/https://emdrassociation.org.uk/
- Therapists can identify and go straight to the root cause of the trauma if it’s appropriate to do so.
- Very cost-effective therapy because we can do a great deal of work in far fewer sessions.
- Because trauma is held in a different part of the brain and within the physical body and we are working with the body to heal itself.
- EMDR doesn’t involve talking about the trauma.
- It’s possible to work on physical symptoms as well as emotional symptoms.
- When traumatic memories are no longer distressing it can be life changing for clients.
What can I expect when coming for an EMDR session?
Prior to any sessions taking place, we will have spoken on the telephone, and you’ll have had an opportunity to ask any questions and I’ll have put your mind at rest if you’ve had any concerns. You will have plenty of time if you’d like it to think over whether EMDR is for you. It isn’t for everyone and it’s always a good idea to speak with a few therapists and find one that you feel most comfortable with.
EMDR sessions are generally held in confidence in person in my office in Hebden Bridge. They can also be held over video call providing you have a space where you can speak freely and confidentially and you won’t be disturbed, and your WIFI connection can support a 60-minute video call. Initially I spend a few sessions building the therapeutic relationship with clients where I’ll be asking questions to understand what life has been like for you and I’ll note a full history, which is essential for planning our work together. From there I can determine the best course of action. Before beginning any processing work, we decide together the key experiences to target. Safety is key so I’ll ensure you feel well prepared before we begin. We might even do a practice run through so that you can get a feel for what’s involved in the processing stage, so you’ll feel as comfortable as possible when it comes to processing your target memory. It is my aim throughout to support you in processing the memory of whatever it is that’s causing you distress so that that memory no longer evokes emotional pain.
EMDR is a very safe therapy, and safety is at the heart of everything we will do. You will be able to stop the process at any time, and you remain in control.
Here’s a word from a recent client who successfully used EMDR to pass Module 2 of their On-Road Motorcycle Test having previously not passed on 3 occasions:
“Hi Jo! I did it!!! I passed with no rider faults!!!! I felt calm and confident right up until I got off and was waiting to find out if I’d passed!! Thank you sooooo much! I couldn’t have done it without you!!!!” D.
It was such a pleasure to support D with this exciting start to a new chapter in their life.
If you would like to have a chat with me on the phone about EMDR or any other aspect of the therapy I provide I would welcome your email:
counsellingwithjowood@gmail.com or a message via the contact page
Dialogues 