What is EMDR?
EMDR is a "transformational therapy" - Laurel Parnell
First identified and then developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1950s, EMDR is now accepted as a treatment of choice for both single event and complex trauma. It is essentially a psychotherapeutic intervention using bilateral stimulation to facilitate processing, of incompletely processed and therefore partly understood life events. It is accepted knowledge that the psychological blocking of emotions relating to overwhelming or threatening events is a natural protective mechanism. This happens either because, at the time of the event, we are too immature to fully understand what is happening or because to fully process the event would cause unmanageable emotional distress. EMDR follows a specific protocol and requires the competent trained practitioner to monitor and manage the process sensitively. EMDR enables you to gain insights and understandings which help to overcome fears and to banish harmful beliefs about yourself and change unhelpful behaviour patterns. It is therefore a process which supports you as you heal yourself. When appropriate and with the client's consent, I integrate EMDR into my therapeutic work . If your presenting issues would benefit from EMDR I will talk to you about the process and give you literature to read which explains the process in greater depth. EMDR sessions are normally an hour and a half in duration.
EMDR is the treatment of choice for Post Traumatic Stress and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
"The real strength of EMDR is found in its integrated approach to treatment. The goal of EMDR is to achieve the most profound and comprehensive treatment effects possible in the shortest period of time, whilst maintaining client stability within a balanced system" (Shapiro 2001, p6)
Range of Mental Health Issues Treated With EMDR
Single, multiple, ongoing, and complex trauma
Developmental /attachment issues
Anxiety disorders including phobias, OCD, and panic disorder
Traumatic loss, bereavement, and grief
Recent alarming events
Depression
Pain management
Body dysmorphic disorder
Performance enhancement
Addictions and substance misuse
Dissociative disorders