Weakening the Effects of Trauma through EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new type of non-traditional psychotherapy which is gaining popularity nowadays, particularly in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Whilst it remains to be controversial, especially among health professionals, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of this treatment approach is piling up.
EMDR was developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro, PhD, in the late 1980’s, as a breakthrough therapy to help individuals overcome the devastating effects of psychological trauma. Since then, more and more therapists see the power of this psychotherapy technique in transforming lives particularly of people who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Over20 controlled clinical trials on EMDR have now been completed and reported, attesting to its value and demonstrating its usefulness across all ages, genders, and cultures of people with PTSD. This non-invasive evidence-based therapy is comprised of 8 phases which target the experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural resilience or coping capacity, and have thereby generated traumatic symptoms and/or led patients to resort to harmful coping strategies.
The therapy aims to help the patient ‘process’ traumatic memories in a way that leads to a peaceful resolution. For example, an assault victim may come to realise that what happened to him/her is not his/her fault, that the event is really over, and therefore, he/she can regain the sense of security in this world.
EMDR for PTSD
In order to be officially diagnosed with PTSD, an individual must have experienced a major trauma. However, more recent studies suggest that even less dramatic life experiences, which mostly occur during childhood, can cause more serious symptoms of PTSD than major traumas. The negative impact of these traumatic experiences affects some important functions of the brain, in which “unprocessed memories” take over.
This happens because the traumatic memory was so disturbing that it disrupted the information processing system of the brain. Moreover, it may cause the memory to be stored with the negative emotions, physical sensations and beliefs. Thus, people with PTSD and related disorders are overwhelmed with fear that their past becomes the present.
This is where EMDR comes in. Whilst it cannot remove a problem caused by genetics or organic injury, research indicates that even in cases like these, negative life experiences can exacerbate problems. Proponents of this technique suggest that negative thoughts and emotions and other psychological symptoms of PTSD are due to problems in the memory networks or the unprocessed memories.
Whilst EMDR incorporates a range of therapeutic approaches, there are aspects of it that are unique. In particular, it includes a series of lateral eye movements whilst the patient simultaneously focuses on various aspects of a disturbing memory.
Many people suffering from major traumas such as sexual or physical violence, combat experiences, accidents, and loss of a loved one, can benefit from EMDR. The therapy is said to be effective in alleviating intrusive thoughts, including flashbacks and nightmares; sleep difficulties, angry outbursts, and problems concentrating, among others. Research also shows that EMDR may even address unexplained physical symptoms like fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and pain associated with PTSD.
Although most research into EMDR was made in people with PTSD, it may also be helpful in resolving other issues including anxiety, depression, panic, phobia and childhood issues, and many other mental health problems. Working with a highly trained professional EMDR therapist is one way to ensure success of this treatment.
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