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EMDR The mind is extremely complex, and when traumatized can separate understanding, feeling and memory in order to allow the psyche to survive. EMDR = Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing How I would use EMDR with you I have found EMDR to be useful with some of my clients and have taken the approved Level 2 training in EMDR. I appreciate how EMDR promotes the connection between mind and body, present focus about the impact of past events, opportunities for clients to experience themselves positively and to control the process. It can be helpful for clients who feel stuck and often helps them find the lost connection between what happened, what they believed about what happened, and how they survived or even thrived despite what happened. It works very well for some people, and not at all for others. It is one of many options that I can offer to help clients resolve their problems. About EMDR EMDR was introduced in 1989 as an innovative clinical technique to assist people who have experienced trauma. Since then, many research studies have established its usefulness working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other problems. It 's originator, Francine Shapiro, noticed one day while walking that she felt relief from a problem she had been considering, and what she recalled had been happening was that her eyes were rapidly moving from left to right. This intrigued her and led to her pioneering research. Since then it has been discovered that any rapid left to right stimulation (whether eyes, ears, arms, hands) leads the to same effects: rapid processing of memories, feelings, and/or thoughts associated with a disturbing event, such as sexual abuse, crime, combat or phobias. Like many approaches, we don't know why it works, but we do know that it can make a significant difference in assisting people to deal with trauma. Brain imaging techniques have shown that EMDR changes how memories, thoughts and feelings are processed, with lasting results. EMDR integrates cognitive, behavioural, body-based and systems theories. There is a clinical protocol to be followed. This technique should only be used by counsellors with a minimum of Master's level education and who have taken the approved training, preferably to Level 2. There is some initial assessment that needs to be done, clients must be able to maintain basic safety in their lives and have some ability to self-soothe and stay grounded outside of the counselling session since memories, thoughts and feelings can come up between sessions. What happens during EMDR Processing Clients are asked about a disturbing memory or image and how it affects how they feel about themselves now, and what they would prefer to believe about themselves. The clients rate how disturbing the memory is and how true the alternate statement feels, what they feel and where the feeling is located in their body. The processing can be done with an eye scan (following a pen or light on a bar); listening to beep; holding vibrating paddles; or the client tapping on her/his arms or legs. The processing varies from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. The clients are asked about the processing that just happened, and then the process is repeated until completed. The client can ask to stop at any time. Sometimes nothing happens, sometimes scenes are rapidly played through, sometimes clients re-experience feelings in a way that helps them understand and let go, sometimes the clients imagine themselves successfully dealing with the issue. There is no wrong or right way to do it, each person's experience is unique to them.
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