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.
