EMDR
“The past affects our present even without our being aware of it”
- Francine Shapiro
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy treatment used to reduce distress associated with traumatic memories, such as flashbacks, upsetting thoughts or images, depression, or anxiety. It involves focusing on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging bilateral stimulation (e.g. eye movements, tapping, or butterfly taps) to process the memory. EMDR therapy aims to change the way the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing the present problematic symptoms related to the traumatic event.
How does EMDR work?
During a traumatic event, you may feel overwhelmed, preventing the brain from fully processing the experience. As a result, the memory can become "stuck" so that it remains vivid and intense. You can re-experience the sights, sounds, smells, and the full force of the distress they felt whenever the memory is triggered.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories, reducing their intensity and emotional impact, so you can recall the event without experiencing overwhelming feelings.
Who can it help?
EMDR was devised by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a therapy for treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is recognised as an effective treatment of PTSD by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). EMDR has since been developed to help treat a variety of mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, especially where a difficult life event has been involved.
EMDR can be especially beneficial for those who have already begun their therapeutic journey, as it builds on existing insight and emotional awareness. Rather than a quick fix, it is a structured process that works at a deeper level to help reprocess past experiences and shift longstanding patterns. For many, it becomes part of a broader therapeutic journey - supporting lasting change rather than offering instant solutions.
©Lisa Deguillaume
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