What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a practice involving movement of the eyes and the changing of traumatic memories. This trauma treatment is primarily used among those with post traumatic stress disorder, although a number of other complications can be treated. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of disorder occurring among those who have experienced a single traumatic incident or a series of incidents. After this occurrence, feelings of terror related to a past experience as well as sleeping problems and severe anxiety often take place. Post traumatic stress disorder can be a very debilitating disorder. EMDR however, gives hope to those who are struggling. This type of treatment is sometimes offered at pain rehab facilities and trauma treatment centers.
This type of therapy involves the use of 8 different steps. EMDR works with the mind’s positive and negative memories and strives to alter negative memories (giving the patient a new perspective) and eliminate distress associated with them. During this procedure, the eyes are moved in a variety of different positions by the patient as they follow the fingers or a light held by the clinician. As this goes on, the patient must focus on specific negative areas of their life which may be causing their condition. Many clinicians perform EMDR at trauma treatment centers as a form of trauma therapy.
As previously mentioned, PTSD is the most popular condition treated by EMDR, although depression, eating disorders, and overwhelming stress may be resolved as well. The originator of this eye movement therapy type is Dr. Francine Shapiro. He developed this procedure in 1987 and so it is still a fairly new trauma treatment method and it not yet offered at every trauma treatment center or pain rehab facility. There is still much controversy over this treatment method, especially regarding the necessity of eye movement. Recently however, many researchers state that eye movement increases the effectiveness of this therapy type.
Who Benefits from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?
Everyone responds in a different way to trauma and PTSD treatment. Some people may find relief faster than others. In cases such as long-term abuse, additional sessions may be necessary. This type of therapy is used alongside other trauma therapy types in a number of instances. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing may be a great help to those who have experienced one or more of these 10 potentially traumatic instances:
- Physical abuse
- War trauma
- Rape
- Murder of a loved one
- Verbal abuse
- Terrorism
- Divorce
- Car accident
- Suicide of a loved one
- Neglect
Eye movement associated with EMDR is very similar to rapid eye movement (REM) which takes place while a person is sleeping. REM during sleep is thought to help a person contemplate daily events. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is similar because it involves the process of thinking over traumatic experiences throughout life and because of this connection, eye movement is thought to be a key factor in effective post traumatic stress disorder treatment at a PTSD treatment center.