EMDR: The Wacky Eye Movement Therapy That Actually Works!

Have you ever heard of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)? No? Well, you're in for a treat!

EMDR is a type of therapy that involves, you guessed it, eye movements. But don't worry, it's not as wacky as it sounds. In fact, it's a highly effective therapy that can help people overcome a range of psychological difficulties. So, let's dive in and explore what EMDR is all about.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist who noticed that certain eye movements could reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and memories. EMDR involves a series of guided eye movements, along with other forms of stimulation, such as tapping or auditory cues, while the patient focuses on traumatic memories or distressing experiences. The aim of EMDR is to help the patient process these experiences and reduce their emotional impact.

What Can EMDR Be Used to Treat?

EMDR was initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been found to be effective for a range of other psychological difficulties, including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Phobias

• Panic attacks

• Eating disorders

• Addiction

• Chronic pain

• Performance anxiety

How Does EMDR Work?

The exact mechanism by which EMDR works is still not fully understood. However, it is thought that the eye movements or other forms of stimulation used in EMDR may help to activate the brain's natural processing abilities, allowing the patient to reprocess traumatic memories or distressing experiences in a more adaptive way. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in overall psychological well-being.

What Does the Research Say?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR for a range of psychological difficulties. For example, a meta-analysis of 26 randomised controlled trials found that EMDR was significantly more effective than no treatment or placebo interventions for PTSD. Another study found that EMDR was as effective as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for the treatment of phobias. In addition, a recent review of the literature concluded that EMDR is a well-established treatment for PTSD, with an evidence base that is equal to or stronger than that of other trauma-focused therapies.

So, there you have it, folks! EMDR may sound like a wacky therapy, but it's a highly effective treatment for a range of psychological difficulties. If you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or any other psychological difficulties, EMDR may be worth considering.

If you're interested in learning more about EMDR or would like to try it out for yourself, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Meliora Clinical Psychology. Our experienced clinicians are here to help you on your journey towards better psychological health.