EMDR is defined as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is observed to be a very powerful psychotherapy method. This method has been used for the psychological disorders of millions of people of almost every age until today. It is a method that helps individuals understand distressing events, memories, and discomfort that still have an effect, allowing them to process and relax.
EMDR is a psychotherapy method. During this therapy, information related to memories stored in the mind is reprocessed. It is stated that the cause of the distress in clients is the negative and poorly stored memories, and in the therapy, these bad memories are modified under the guidance of the adaptive information processing method. Maladaptive actions and false beliefs stem from these stored old experiences. These target memories are accessed and processed during therapy to create change. Afterwards, other life experiences and memories are combined to reinforce an adaptive solution.
What is EMDR?
In recent years, the EMDR method has become quite widespread and is also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This method, used in the treatment of many different psychological disorders, allows individuals to distance themselves from their negative memories. For this reason, it is a frequently preferred therapy method.
The process continues in sessions. The number of sessions depends entirely on the condition of the patient.
How is EMDR Applied?
EMDR is not a hypnosis method. The individual is fully awake and conscious throughout the therapy. Memories from the individual’s past are identified first. Then, while accessing target memories, the client is given bilateral stimuli.
The stimuli can be in the form of eye movements, auditory stimuli from both ears, or bilateral tactile stimuli. These stimuli are the core method of the therapy and affect the outcome.
Additionally, the stimuli enable transitions between the two hemispheres of the brain. Therefore, access to memory areas related to negative experiences is faster. This allows for the formation of a stronger memory instead of a fearful and anxious one.
Who Can EMDR Be Applied To?
The EMDR therapy method is suitable for people of all ages and genders. It is a therapy method used in the treatment of many psychological disorders. These include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- Stress disorder after events such as abuse, rape, death, torture, and accidents
- Sexual dysfunction
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraine
- Chronic pain
- Stress
Which Conditions is EMDR Suitable For?
The disorders treated with EMDR include:
- Acute stress disorder
- Infidelity / betrayal
- Death and grief
- Anxiety disorder
- Stress management
- Phobias
- Claustrophobia
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
- Addiction
- OCD
- Eating disorder
- Migraine
- Fibromyalgia
- Anger issues
- Sexual issues
- Panic attacks
How is EMDR Therapy Performed?
EMDR is a therapy method applied while the individual is fully conscious. In the initial stage of the therapy, the client is asked to visualize a memory carrying negative traces, and at the same time, bilateral stimuli are provided. These stimuli are applied by moving the eyes side to side, providing sounds through headphones, or delivering tactile stimuli to the client’s hands. The client focuses on the emotions felt in response to the recalled memory and the stimuli provided. Subsequently, the memories are reprocessed and replaced with positive information. Thus, the distress present in the individual is treated and recovery is achieved.
