What Is the EMDR Technique?
The EMDR technique is a therapeutic method formed from the initials of the words “Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing,” meaning Desensitization and Reprocessing through Eye Movements.
With the EMDR technique, individuals are helped to overcome the impact of traumatic events experienced in the past. As a result, the person either thinks about the traumatic event very rarely or not at all. As with every treatment method, EMDR requires careful selection of a psychologist. When carried out by an experienced and specialized professional, the EMDR technique leads to successful outcomes.
The History of the EMDR Technique
In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered that eye movements could reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. Dr. Shapiro scientifically examined this effect on individuals exposed to various traumas and published her findings based on the successful results of the treatments, thereby introducing the EMDR technique to humanity. Following further studies and research, the EMDR technique developed rapidly.
The Turkish equivalent of EMDR is “Desensitization and Reprocessing through Eye Movements.” EMDR has been applied in the treatment of nearly 2 million psychological disorders of various types and has yielded successful outcomes.
Today, EMDR appears as an integrative therapeutic method that incorporates elements from different schools of therapy and includes standardized protocols for different diagnosed conditions.
For Which Psychological Issues Is the EMDR Technique Used?
The EMDR technique, which stands for Desensitization and Reprocessing through Eye Movements, is a psychological method that incorporates elements from various therapeutic approaches including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and client-centered techniques.
The EMDR approach is based on the idea that what exists in the present moment should not be considered independent of the past. Present-day experiences may be emotionally and physically reactivated by past events. EMDR aims to address both the past and the present to change, improve, or heal existing difficulties.
Some of the main psychological issues in which the EMDR technique is used are:
- Emotional states and stress disorders arising from war conditions
- Abuse
- Emotional problems and phobias stemming from childhood traumas or distressing events
- Panic disorder
- Performance anxiety
- Body image disturbances
- Trauma symptoms observed in children
- Chronic pain
- Various other conditions that may arise for different reasons
The Purpose and Application of the EMDR Technique
The EMDR technique is based on the assumption that psychological pathology arises from maladaptive perceptions. In EMDR, these maladaptive patterns are addressed across eight phases through an information-processing model.
The aim of the EMDR technique forms the core of its client-centered approach. During EMDR sessions, clients are asked to focus on the material that evokes emotional discomfort. While the client focuses on the distressing material, they are guided by the therapist and asked to follow bilateral eye movements.
Thus, through brief and intense exposure, incomplete emotional processing of targeted memories is addressed without directing the client’s behavior. Light tapping and auditory stimulation are also used in the EMDR technique, and research shows a significant reduction in trauma symptoms.
The stages of the EMDR technique can be summarized as follows:
- Accessing and resolving past memories—for example, eliciting appropriate emotional and physical responses.
- Desensitizing stimuli that trigger stress.
- Helping the person adopt appropriate attitudes, skills, and desired behaviors for future functioning.
The EMDR technique is defined as a psychological method that aims to reveal, process, and integrate emotionally distressing experiences using the perceptual elements of memory (bodily, cognitive, emotional).
How Does the EMDR Technique Work?
The foundation of the EMDR technique is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model. According to the AIP model, the brain functions through a physiologically based system that processes new experiences and integrates them into functional memory networks.
Learning associated with an experience becomes integrated into memory networks through emotions, images, sounds, smells, and thoughts. These experiences are stored to guide future responses. This healthy processing supports mental well-being and development.
However, in highly traumatic or distressing events, new information cannot be integrated into existing memory networks. The system becomes dysfunctional, and the mind cannot make sense of the experience or form adaptive learning. As a result, emotions, thoughts, images, and sensations remain stored in their original intense form. Later, certain triggers may activate these isolated memories, causing the person to re-experience the event partially or fully.
According to the EMDR technique, behind negative emotions, behaviors, or personality traits lie maladaptively stored isolated memories that disrupt functional processing. The negative emotional or behavioral reactions seen today are not the problem itself but its symptoms—its present-day manifestations.
EMDR is a physiologically based therapeutic technique aimed at identifying, processing, and resolving these isolated memories. The goal of the EMDR technique is not merely to eliminate symptoms but to enable adaptive storage through necessary learning, ultimately transforming perspective. Once processed, this information positively shapes the person’s worldview and supports personal development.
EMDR Technique Ataşehir
The EMDR technique in Ataşehir is practiced by experienced mental health professionals in the region. For more information about EMDR in Ataşehir or to schedule an appointment, you can reach us at 0553 558 22 22 or 0535 607 81 08.
