EMDR: An Overview

What is EMDR?

EMDR was developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987. While walking in a park, she discovered that voluntary eye movements reduced the intensity of her own distressing thoughts. Shapiro then refined this observation into a structured therapy.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a psychological treatment method designed to address mental health conditions that arise from traumatic memories. Initially recognised for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now increasingly used to support individuals with a variety of other mental health concerns.

The primary aim is to assist healing from the distressing events or trauma. Since its first clinical trial in 1989, numerous studies have demonstrated EMDR’s effectiveness, often producing results more rapidly than traditional therapeutic methods.

Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?

EMDR is suitable for a broad spectrum of individuals, including adolescents, teenagers, and adults. Children can access paediatric EMDR through specialist practitioners. We do not currently have provision for children.

The science of EMDR

Brain scans show that EMDR therapy can help your brain return to a more balanced and healthy state. The research is clear—EMDR can bring about powerful and efficient change.

During an EMDR session, your brain is anything but idle—it’s actively working to process and resolve trauma and the emotions linked to it, helping you move forward with confidence.

Memories

According to EMDR and recent advances in trauma-focused research, the brain differentiates between the storage of ordinary memories and those associated with traumatic events. Trauma memories are often stored in ways that impede healthy recovery, akin to a wound that the brain has not been able to heal. If this healing does not occur, the brain fails to recognise that the threat is over.

This occurs not only with conscious memories but also with those that are suppressed. The mind attempts to avoid painful recollections, but suppression is imperfect; the “injury” can still lead to negative symptoms, emotions and behaviours.

Typically, our memories integrate effortlessly, blending with other recollections. However, when distressing or traumatic events occur, this process may be interrupted as if the brain pauses its usual functions. As a result, the connection between our senses and how we recall experiences in words can become impaired. EMDR is designed to assist individuals in changing the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours triggered by those challenging memories stored in their brains.

Triggers

Sensory reminders—such as sights, sounds, and smells—associated with a traumatic event can “trigger” improperly stored memories. These triggers may provoke intense feelings of fear, anxiety, anger or panic.

For example, people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have flashbacks, where the mind accesses traumatic memories in an uncontrolled, distorted, and overwhelming manner, making it feel as though the traumatic event is happening in the present.

Reprocessing and Repair

Through EMDR, individuals access traumatic memories in a controlled way, combining eye movements and guided instructions. This process facilitates the reprocessing of negative events. Reprocessing helps to “repair” the psychological injury caused by trauma. Following EMDR therapy, it is unnecessary to revisit the traumatic event, as the emotional response associated with the memory is diminished to a manageable degree. Clients acknowledge knowing about the event, but they are no longer controlled by the previously overwhelming experiences.