EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)

This technique came about by chance when Francine Shapiro was walking through a park and became aware that her eye movements were having an impact on her thinking and had diminished her distress around an unpleasant memory. By looking into this in more detail, she was able to determine that eye movements have a desensitising effect on the mind. By carrying out more research, she devised an approach where people with PTSD could significantly reduce distress and anxiety levels through a number of eye-moving sessions that also incorporate insights through self-awareness and changes to a person’s thinking.

In total there are 8 phases to a licensed and facilitated approach to EMDR.

1. Find out the history of the individual. Create a targeted action plan. Determine whether or not they are ready for the work.

2. Look at ways in which the person can cope with distress when the traumatic memories are brought to the forefront of the mind. The facilitator will also be able to offer guidance and support in this area as well as making sure the client feels safe to begin. This could well involve getting into a relaxed breathing pattern.

3-6. The work starts. It focuses on vivid aspects of the trauma, low self-worth related to the trauma, and recognising in real time emotional and bodily responses to the recall of the trauma.

The facilitator sits at a comfortable distance from the client and is attuned to their responses at every turn. They explain the process. They begin with what is called ‘bi-lateral stimulation,’ which is often two fingers placed in the air, at eye height, which are then moved from side to side to allow the client’s eyes to follow the direction and speed of the fingers. This may happen in clusters of 60-90-second bouts. In between these eye movements, the facilitator’s dialogue will focus on getting the person to be aware of what is going on for them and to encourage them to keep going and keep breathing.

For example:

“What are you noticing right now, in this very moment?”
“Okay, make a note of that.”
“Go with that and see what else happens.”
“What is that like for you?”
“Remember to breathe.”
“What are you getting now?”
“Keep going with that.”
“Are there any sensory details you wish to explore further?”
“Okay, let’s notice that as you follow my fingers.”
“Take a breath.”

7. In between sessions, the person is invited to start a diary or a log of how they have been during the week and if they have been able to use their learned coping strategies to good effect.

8. At the next session there is the chance for feedback so that the facilitator can alter the approach if necessary.

It is hoped that the end of the sessions will come once an individual reports that they have no distress related to the memory of the trauma. The success rates tend to vary between 60 and 80%.