Eye Movement Desensitisation
and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). What is it and how does it work? Who developed it? What is EMDR helpful for? What can I expect in a typical therapy session? Is EMDR right for me? Read on to get answers to these questions and more.

What is EMDR and how does it work?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy used to help people recover from distressing or traumatic events, which are having an impact on an individuals wellbeing. EMDR can help the brain reprocess traumatic and difficult events, so that they are no longer as distressing.

EMDR involves bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping or auditory tones) while recalling traumatic memories, which is thought to help reprocess these experiences and reduce their emotional intensity.

Because the brain is so complex, the exact mechanism behind EMDR is still being studied. There are a few theories on how EMDR works, the most accepted theory is the one proposed by it's founder Dr Francine Shapiro. Francine proposed the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP), which suggests that trauma disrupts the brain's natural ability to process trauma memories/ experiences. Traumatic memories can get "stuck" in their raw, unprocessed form (images, smells, sounds, body sensations and beliefs) which can be triggered by similar events/ situations and lead to intense emotions, flashbacks and distress. It is thought that bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess these stuck memories, so that they become less emotionally distressing and can be stored in a more adaptive way.

You can read more about EMDR by visiting the EMDR Association UK website.

Who developed EMDR?

EMDR was first discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, while walking in a park. She noticed that moving her eyes back and forth, seemed to reduce the intensity of her own disturbing thoughts and emotions. She experimented with voluntary eye movements, while recalling negative memories, and found that they seemed to lose their emotional charge.

To test this further, she asked friends and colleagues to recall distressing memories while moving their eyes side to side. Many reported that their memories felt less distressing after the exercise. Based on these observations, she developed a structured process for using eye movements to help process trauma.

In 1989, Shapiro conducted the first formal study with trauma survivors, particularly those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study found that eye movements helped reduce distressing emotions linked to traumatic memories. Over time, Shapiro refined EMDR into an eight-phase therapy model, incorporating elements of cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and neurobiological research. EMDR gained recognition and was adopted by therapists worldwide, eventually becoming a leading treatment for PTSD.

What is EMDR helpful for?

EMDR can essentially be helpful for individuals to process any situation or experience, which has caused emotional disturbance/ distress.

EMDR is most widely known for treating PTSD/ Trauma. However, there is growing evidence for it's effectiveness in helping people recover from Anxiety disorders such as Panic, Phobia's and OCD as well as Depression, Addictions and Chronic pain. It can also be helpful for anyone dealing with grief, loss, or complicated emotions from past events.

Compassion Focused Psychotherapy

Compassion Focused Psychotherapy is a therapy approach that supports psychological healing by encouraging individuals to be more compassionate towards themselves and others. Evidence for self-compassion demonstrates that it can help individuals regulate emotions more effectively, reduce self criticism and shame. If we can recognise difficult situations, as moments of suffering, and acknowledge that we are not alone in our suffering, that this is part of being human. The task then, is to turn towards ourselves and ask, what do we need to heal right now? Rather than criticising, berating and blaming ourselves harshly, can we offer a kind, supportive and encouraging voice, gesture or action, like we might a good friend or loved one who was suffering.

Trauma informed therapist

What does Trauma informed mean?

Trauma informed means that the therapist will take special note of any possible trauma individuals may have experienced and the impact this may have had on them and will be mindful of not triggering or re-traumatising an individual during therapy. Trauma informed therapy emphasises "what happened to you?" rather than "what is wrong with you?"

During sessions a trauma informed therapist will prioritise:

1. Ensuring physical and emotional safety of the client

2. Ensuring choice - that the individual has choice and control

3. Collaboration - that decisions are made together

4. Trustworthiness - being open, honest and explaining why

5. Empowerment - empowering the client to state their needs, make decisions and take action

6. Cultural consideration - acknowledging diversity, working towards equity and including all people

Polyvagal informed therapist

What does Polyvagal informed mean?

A Polyvagal informed therapist understands the role of the nervous system in our physical, emotional and social wellbeing. The therapist will understand the impact that trauma can have on an individuals ability to feel safe in their body, their environment and their relationships. They will work to create a safe and present environment for healing.

Polyvagal theory, was developed by Dr Stephen Porges and helps us understand, how our body and brain work together to respond to everyday stressors, as well as more significant experiences, such as trauma in order to keep ourselves safe. We are constantly scanning our bodies, the environment and our connections with others for signs of threat or safety. Our body is constantly asking "is this safe?" This scanning is an inbuilt safety system, which happens automatically and without awareness.

When our bodies detect threat or danger it typically enters one of two states to keep us safe - 1. Fight/ Flight or 2. Collapse. The third state is "social connection," when we feel safe and connected to others.

Individuals who have been traumatised, will often be highly sensitive to cues of threat and danger and may experience more intense emotional arousal when sensing threat. They can often struggle to regulate their emotions and feel safe in relationships with others. A Polyvagal informed therapist, will help individuals become aware of these three states and support individuals to increase feelings of safety and resilience.