EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to help individuals who have experienced traumatic events. It is primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although it is also applied to other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.
The main goal of EMDR is to help individuals process distressing memories or images and alleviate their associated emotional and psychological symptoms. The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can lead to the development of negative beliefs and emotions that become “stuck” in the individual’s memory network. EMDR aims to help the individual reprocess these memories so that they are no longer as distressing.
I am a fully accredited EMDR Psychotherapist with EMDR All-Ireland (EMDR) and also EMDR UK.
EMDR: How it works?
The process of EMDR psychotherapy typically involves the following eight phases:
- History Taking: We will gather information about your current symptoms and associated trauma memories to create a treatment plan.
- Preparation/Resourcing: In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, the resourcing phase is a crucial stage aimed at preparing you for the processing of traumatic memories or distressing images. It involves helping you establish a sense of safety, stability, and internal resources within to help you cope with distressing emotions and memories that may arise during subsequent phases of EMDR. Resourcing Phase Two specifically focuses on building and strengthening these internal resources.
- Assessment: Once resourcing is established we will identify target memories or images, along with beliefs, feelings and sensations associated with the trauma. We are essentially identifying what needs to be targeted for processing and reprocessing.
- Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation begins such as side to side eye movements, taps, or sounds, while focusing on the target image. This continues until the level of distress associated with the target image is greatly reduced. During this time, new more adaptive beliefs, feelings or physical sensations may begin to emerge.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are “installed” to replace the negative ones that were associated with the traumatic memory. For example, ‘I’m safe now’, ‘I can handle it’, ‘I’m strong’ or ‘I’m a good person’.
- Body Scan: Once the positive belief is installed, we do a scan of the body for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the traumatic memory.
- Closure: The session is concluded, and you are encouraged to practice self-care and resourcing techniques to ensure you remain grounded and stable and calm.
- Reevaluation: In subsequent session, we assess progress and continues to address any remaining distressing memories or related issues.
If you would like to learn more about types of therapy I provide at Suaimhneas Cork CBT Therapy and Mindfulness please click on the links below:
Autism Counselling and Psychotherapy for Adults
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