EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a technique that uses bilateral stimulation to treat trauma. In this series of posts, I will describe the science behind the technique, and provide an overview of the procedure.
Before we begin, let’s talk about safety. The idea of safety is very important for EMDR work. It is important to emphasize that clients are in charge of the process, and they need to have the tools at their disposal in order to cope with the stressors and negative feelings that will arise as a result of the work before we can begin. There are two important ways clients must feel safe: 1. with themselves (that they have the tools to soothe themselves) and 2. with the therapist (they trust the therapist not to hurt or harm them). The main idea behind EMDR is to take emotional processing from the conscious level to the unconscious, where it can be permanently resolved. This is in contrast to other types of interventions, such as active listening or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). The problem with these types of interventions for trauma is that they may be too problem focused. Spending too much time on describing and discussing the trauma will make the trauma worse for the person.
The actual EMDR intervention may be very brief. The longest part is getting them ready. You cannot do EMDR with people who are unable to calm themselves. Therefore, you may need a few sessions in order to install coping strategies before you do the actual EMDR. In addition, you must also get a really good history in order to determine if the client is appropriate for EMDR.
History of EMDR
In 1987 Francine Shapiro, a behavorial therapist, took a famous walk in the park. She had cancer and was having a difficult time coping with it. This was no ordinary walk, as it was the origin of EMDR. Ms. Shapiro noticed that when she was in the park she started looking up and moving her eyes back and forth, and when she did this she felt better. Because she was a scientist, she started to do research with 1000s of subjects and discovered an effective eight stage methodology.
For years people have been using a back and forth motion to soothe themselves. For example, you rock a newborn in order to soothe them. However, until Ms. Sapiro’s walk, nobody had really consciously connected a bilateral motion with soothing trauma.
At the time it was introduced in 1989 it was called EMD (Eye Movement Desensitization). The reprocessing piece (the “R” in EMDR) didn’t come until later. Ms. Shapiro was a behavioralist, therefore the behavioral aspect of the process was emphasized initially. Later on, it was discovered that bilateral stimulation was a normal natural process that the body uses to process stored feeling. Further, it is bilateral movement that allows for the comprehensive processing of experience. Although this method utilizes eye movement, bilateral tapping or movement elsewhere (i.e. having client tap their own knees, alternating between left and right) is also effective.
In sum, EMDR uses the natural capacity of the human body to achieve homeostasis.
Exercise
There are many studies indicating the benefits of exercise, but with regard to EMDR exercise can be particularly helpful because it naturally has bilateral movement.
In my next post, I will continue this explanation of EMDR.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
* All of this information is a result of Personal communication from Jane F. Dye, PhD, LMFT February 7, 2014 at the FMHCA annual conference in Lake Mary, FL on February 7, 2014.
