When a person is involved in a traumatic event, they may feel overwhelmed and their brain may be unable to fully process what is going on. The memory of the event seems to become “stuck” so that it remains very intense and vivid. The person can re-experience what they saw, heard and smelt and the full force of the distress they felt whenever the memory comes to mind. EMDR aims to help the brain “unstick” and reprocess the memory properly so that it is no longer so intense. It also helps to desensitise the person to the emotional impact of the memory, so that they can think about the event without experiencing such strong feelings. It does this by asking the person to recall the traumatic event while they also move their eyes from side-to-side, hear a sound in each ear alternately, or feel a tap on each hand alternately. These side-to-side sensations seem to effectively stimulate the “stuck” processing system in the brain so that it can reprocess the information more like an ordinary memory, reducing its intensity. The effect may be similar to what occurs naturally during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when your eyes move rapidly from side to side as the brain processes the events of the day. Some research suggests that EMDR is effective because concentrating on another task whilst processing a distressing memory gives the brain more work to do*. When the brain is not giving its full attention to processing the memory, it starts to become less vivid. This allows the person to distance themselves from it and begin to remember the event in a more helpful and manageable way. EMDR is a complex therapeutic process that should always be delivered by properly trained therapists. * e.g. Gunter & Bodner, 2008

What can I expect from my EMDR therapist?

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Will my EMDR therapist use any equipment?

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What will I feel like after my time with the therapist?

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Is EMDR a form of hypnotism?

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What is it like to experience EMDR?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" logics=""] Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship and History taking: EMDR therapy begins with a supportive initial phase, where you discuss your history, identify treatment targets, and develop coping strategies to ensure emotional stability. Preparation Phase: The therapist will guide you through exercises to prepare for EMDR, including relaxation techniques and grounding strategies, to ensure you feel safe and manage any emotional distress during sessions. Identifying Target Memories: During EMDR sessions, you and your therapist will target distressing memories or experiences, often related to past traumatic events or negative self-perceptions, contributing to emotional difficulties. Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR sessions involve bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, to focus on the target memory or belief, facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories and adaptive information integration. Dual Awareness: The therapist helps the client maintain dual awareness during bilateral stimulation, focusing on distressing memories or beliefs while maintaining distance from traumatic material, allowing for efficient memory processing without overwhelming the client. Processing and Integration: EMDR sessions involve observing and processing sensations, emotions, and thoughts related to target memory, allowing them to emerge naturally without judgement to be processed. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

What is EMDR effective in treating?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" logics=""] EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is primarily used to treat conditions related to trauma and distressing life experiences. Here are some of the issues that EMDR has shown effectiveness in treating. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is the most well-known application of EMDR. It is considered an effective treatment for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders: EMDR is useful for a wide range of traumatic experiences, including but not limited to physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, and childhood abuse. Anxiety Disorders: EMDR has been employed successfully in treating various anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder. Depression: While primarily known for trauma treatment, EMDR has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression, particularly in cases where traumatic experiences contribute to depressive symptoms. Phobias and Fears: EMDR can be effective in treating specific phobias. It helps desensitise individuals to the distressing memories or situations associated with their fears. Grief and Loss: EMDR can be helpful in processing and resolving complicated grief, particularly when it's linked to traumatic or sudden losses. Performance Anxiety: EMDR can be used to address performance-related anxiety, such as stage fright or fear of public speaking. It helps individuals reprocess negative beliefs and emotions associated with performance situations. Dissociative Disorders: EMDR is sometimes used in the treatment of dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches. Self-Esteem and Self-Image Issues: EMDR can help individuals reprocess memories and experiences that contribute to negative self-beliefs, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-image. Attachment Issues: EMDR can be effective in treating attachment-related difficulties, especially in cases where early attachment experiences have led to emotional distress or relational challenges. Complex PTSD/ Complex Trauma OCD [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

I have just joined the Association. Can cases I have worked on before becoming a member be counted towards numbers of cases needed for accreditation?

You are required to be a member of the Association to apply for accreditation but do not need to be a member to undertake the training and you can count cases from the point that you complete level 1 of the basic training, provided they have been supervised by a Europe accredited EMDR consultant supervisor.

Can supervision hours prior to membership be counted?

Please see above. You do not have to be a member of the Association to train or be supervised by an accredited consultant. From Jan 2011 it became compulsory to add additional supervision hours to training. Part 4 provides 10 hours of supervision . Once you have completed all parts of your EMDR basic training you will have accrued 10 hours of supervision which counts towards accreditation. Please note that trainings before that date did not include a supervision element.

My supervisor is not an EMDR Accredited Consultant. Can this supervision be counted?

Only supervision by a EUROPE Accredited EMDR Consultant can be counted for your application for accreditation.

Since becoming fully trained I have attended groups run by an Accredited EMDR Consultant. Can I count the cases I have discussed at these groups towards my application for practitioner accreditation?

You can count cases for which you have received supervision by an Accredited EMDR Consultant if that consultant provides written confirmation of the supervision and you include it with your application.

I have not yet completed the necessary hours of supervision to allow me to apply for accreditation and my supervisor is no longer able to provide me with supervision. Can my new supervisor sign off previous cases supervised by my previous supervisor?

No. Ask your previous supervisor to provide you with written confirmation of the work you have done together and sign off the cases he/she has supervised.

I have been attending a supervision group run by an accredited practitioner. Can I count these hours of supervision towards my accreditation?

No. Only supervision by an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant is recognised for accreditation (though Peer Supervision can be helpful).

I have attended EMDR supervision groups run by a Europe accredited EMDR consultant. Can I count these hours towards the hours of supervision required for accreditation?

Yes. Group supervision hours are counted in the same way as individual supervision hours.

I am providing group supervision. How long should each group session last and how many participants should attend?

Ideally a group should consist of no more than 5 participants and should last for around 2 hours. EMDR Consultants need to be able to be sure that they can safely supervise the practice of all of their supervisees. EMDR Consultants need also to be able to gain a clear picture of their supervisee's practice and to take into account the regularity of attendance of their supervisees at groups.

I cannot get permission from any of my clients to video therapy sessions. My employers do not permit the recording of any sessions for confidentiality reasons. Can I apply for accreditation without submitting a DVD?

The guidelines make it clear that in order to fulfil the conditions for accreditation your EMDR consultant must either see a recording of your work OR have seen an in vivo session which satisfies him/her that you are able to utilise the standard protocol.

I work only with very young children and have to adapt substantially the standard protocol. I do not have a DVD of the standard protocol. Is a DVD of the adapted work sufficient?

The guidelines make it clear that in order to fulfil the conditions for accreditation your EMDR consultant must either see a recording of your work OR have seen an in vivo session which satisfies him/her that you are able to utilise the standard protocol.

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" logics=""] EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a form of psychotherapy that has proven highly effective in treating individuals struggling with the aftermath of trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since gained widespread recognition and has been endorsed by organisations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. The core premise of EMDR lies in the idea that traumatic experiences can lead to the maladaptive encoding of memories. In simple terms, these memories get 'stuck' in the brain, causing distressing symptoms to persist long after the event has occurred. This is particularly true for individuals who have experienced significant or repeated traumas. The therapy derives its name from the initial focus on eye movements as a form of bilateral stimulation. However, it's important to note that various other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as hand taps or auditory tones, are also employed based on the individual's preference and comfort. EMDR is notably effective due to its ability to access and reprocess traumatic memories. This is believed to occur through a mechanism called "memory reconsolidation," wherein the brain revisits and reorganises traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

How does EMDR work?
When a person is involved in a traumatic event, they […]
Read articleRead article
What can I expect from my EMDR therapist?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, […]
Read articleRead article
Will my EMDR therapist use any equipment?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, […]
Read articleRead article
What will I feel like after my time with the therapist?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, […]
Read articleRead article
Is EMDR a form of hypnotism?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, […]
Read articleRead article
What is it like to experience EMDR?
Read articleRead article
What is EMDR effective in treating?
Read articleRead article
I have just joined the Association. Can cases I have worked on before becoming a member be counted towards numbers of cases needed for accreditation?
You are required to be a member of the Association […]
Read articleRead article
Can supervision hours prior to membership be counted?
Please see above. You do not have to be a […]
Read articleRead article
My supervisor is not an EMDR Accredited Consultant. Can this supervision be counted?
Only supervision by a EUROPE Accredited EMDR Consultant can be […]
Read articleRead article
Since becoming fully trained I have attended groups run by an Accredited EMDR Consultant. Can I count the cases I have discussed at these groups towards my application for practitioner accreditation?
You can count cases for which you have received supervision […]
Read articleRead article
I have not yet completed the necessary hours of supervision to allow me to apply for accreditation and my supervisor is no longer able to provide me with supervision. Can my new supervisor sign off previous cases supervised by my previous supervisor?
No. Ask your previous supervisor to provide you with written […]
Read articleRead article
I have been attending a supervision group run by an accredited practitioner. Can I count these hours of supervision towards my accreditation?
No. Only supervision by an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant is […]
Read articleRead article
I have attended EMDR supervision groups run by a Europe accredited EMDR consultant. Can I count these hours towards the hours of supervision required for accreditation?
Yes. Group supervision hours are counted in the same way […]
Read articleRead article
I am providing group supervision. How long should each group session last and how many participants should attend?
Ideally a group should consist of no more than 5 […]
Read articleRead article
I cannot get permission from any of my clients to video therapy sessions. My employers do not permit the recording of any sessions for confidentiality reasons. Can I apply for accreditation without submitting a DVD?
The guidelines make it clear that in order to fulfil […]
Read articleRead article
I work only with very young children and have to adapt substantially the standard protocol. I do not have a DVD of the standard protocol. Is a DVD of the adapted work sufficient?
The guidelines make it clear that in order to fulfil […]
Read articleRead article
What is EMDR?
Read articleRead article

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