Use of EMDR in therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique originally based on purposeful eye movement. The goal is that its use helps with problems related to trauma and anxiety. In a typical EMDR session, a therapist guides a client through cyclic left-to-right eye movement while helping the person work through memories of a traumatic experience. EMDR was championed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Her personal discovery of her eye movements helping to calm disturbing memories spurred the study and formulation of EMDR. EMDR is now widely regarded as an established and proven therapeutic modality.

The basic technique of EMDR is repetitive movement along a horizontal plane, and as EMDR has gained traction, methods for simulating movement have expanded to include audio and rhythmic tapping. The three essential approaches are:

1) Visual: The therapist has the client move their eyes left and right, usually by having the client follow their focus on the therapist’s finger or a held accessory such as a pen.

2) Auditory: Specialized sounds or music are played that move from left to right. This is most effective with headphones where the output travels between the left and right ears.

3) Pulse/tapping: a small electronic instrument sends an alternating signal to two portable tactile switches. They pulse in alternating sequence, one after the other.

There are other adaptations to simulate left and right sensation. All methods follow this two-sided approach. For example, a person may be traumatized by a recent car accident. The therapist would have the client follow their finger with their eyes from left to right while asking the client to visualize a pleasant image and process the car accident. In this way, the stressful experience is resolved.

EMDR is widely used and has helped people in many situations, such as veterans returning from war, victims of rape and abuse, and people experiencing trauma from life-changing events such as an accident or fire. Furthermore, EMDR is effective in treating addictions. Often people with addictions experience some type of trauma that has fueled the addictive cycle.

To see if EMDR can help you, make an appointment with a therapist who specializes in EMDR. It is such a common practice that it shouldn’t be difficult to find someone with experience or training in this technique. Trauma can be overcome. The first step is to find a professional with the qualifications to help you with your particular problems.