Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

A psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro. It aims to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories and other distressing experiences through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds.

Adaptive Information Processing Model

EMDR is based on the idea that trauma disrupts the brain's natural processing of information, leading to distressing symptoms. Bilateral stimulation helps reprocess and integrate traumatic memories.

8 phases of treatment

History Taking and Treatment Planning, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure, Reevaluation.

Applications

Trauma Processing: Clients focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, moving eyes from right to left- which helps reduce the emotional charge and promotes adaptive integration of the memory.

Wide Range of Issues: EMDR is effective for various conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. EMDR is widely used and recognized for its ability to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences by facilitating the brain's natural adaptive processes.