EMDR

Eyes Movements Desensitization and Reprocessing

The EMDR Technique

It has helped thousands of adults and children suffering from the effects of traumatic experiences. Francine Shapiro developed the therapy, which initially relied only on eye movements, over the past 15 years. In 1987, while walking in a park, she noticed how stressful thoughts disappeared with rapidly repeated eye movements. She later discovered that other signals, such as sounds or flashing lights, had the same effect when alternating from left to right. Nevertheless, the method retained its name. These stimuli amplify images, memories, and feelings (triggered) and then defuse (desensitized).

Safety and professionalism

What appears at first glance to be a simple trick of the eye turns out, thanks to the work of Ms. Shapiro, to be a very effective and sophisticated therapy model. Despite its simplicity, this method is so powerful that it should only be used by experienced practitioners. The therapist must assess whether this method is appropriate for the patient. The therapist must be able to guide and support the patient through the process safely. Especially in the field of trauma therapy, there are well-meaning helpers (from general practitioners to astrologers) who believe that uncovering memories is the best way to free their clients from the past. However, experience shows repeatedly that such an unprepared confrontation can do more harm than good. Re-traumatization occurs.

To ensure the desired level of professionalism, only specialists (psychiatrists or psychologists) with recognized psychotherapeutic experience are admitted to EMDR training. Upon completion of the EMDR training, therapists receive a certificate personally signed by Ms. Shapiro, officially designating them as EMDR therapists (see list). EMDR™ is a registered trademark.

The EMDR Treatment

EMDR treatment follows an 8-phase model, which I will describe briefly and freely here. Of course, Shapiro's books should be consulted to learn the correct technique. Warning: It is strongly discouraged to try this technique without certified EMDR training. The results can be dangerous. It cannot be emphasized enough that this program must be applied very individually.

  1. Medical history. The therapist first asks about the patient's history: past traumas, depressive or psychotic episodes, current relationship problems, etc. The therapist must be able to assess whether the patient is stable enough to withstand the emotional strain of such therapy. The interview must be conducted objectively and gently so as not to reopen old wounds. An overly detailed description may unnecessarily upset the patient. It may be possible to make a list of the various life traumas ("map"). The treatment is then discussed: goals are set and a treatment plan is developed.

  2. Preparation. This is often the most important phase of treatment. After taking stock, the therapist must strengthen and stabilize the patient. This often takes several sessions to establish a climate of trust. The first goal is to build trust in the therapist and acceptance of the method. Then a "safe place" is often created: Through various imaginative exercises, the patient finds images within himself that can calm, comfort and protect him. They also look for resources (hobbies, talents, good memories, loving relationships, etc.) that will accompany them on this therapeutic journey.

  3. Evaluation. The scene is evaluated. How was it? What was seen? An image is chosen (e.g., a collision with another car).

    • What did you think? A negative cognition, i.e. a statement in the first person and in the present tense, is defined: e.g. "I am in danger", "I am an idiot (for driving so fast)", etc. ....

    • What do you want to think about yourself (in this situation) (positive cognition)?

    • How and where do you feel (e.g. joy in the chest, lightness in the legs)?

    • And how (from 1 to 7) does this positive statement apply to you (VOC)?

    • Back to the negative cognition, what emotion do you feel (e.g. shame, sadness, anger, ...)? And how strong is it on a scale of 0 to 10?

    • And where in your body are you feeling it? (Sadness is often in the chest, anger in the stomach, paralysis in the legs).

  4. Desensitization. Maintaining the image, the negative cognition, the emotion and the physical sensation as well as possible, the patient follows the therapist's fingers. The therapist makes rapid horizontal movements about 1 meter from the patient's face (the distance must be tested beforehand). After about 20 to 50 back and forth movements, the therapist stops. The patient is briefly questioned or spontaneously expresses: e.g. new images have emerged, tension has decreased, the scene has taken on a new meaning.

  5. Anchoring. When stress has decreased to a minimum (SUD 0 to 1), the therapist anchors the positive cognition. The patient again perceives the positive cognition (the sentence, the emotion, the physical sensation). A few slow eye movements are sufficient. The movements are repeated until the optimal value (VOC 7) is reached.

  6. Body test. The patient is asked about residual tension in the body.

  7. Conclusion. The patient should never leave the treatment room in a highly agitated state or in the midst of an emotional reaction. If necessary, several techniques can be used to quickly stabilize the patient. A brief debriefing (questions, instructions, ...) provides reassurance.

  8. Control. The next session tests the body's response to the situation.