esdr

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

EMDR was first described by a woman called Shapiro in 1989. It is a technique that claims to be effective in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How is it done?

During the therapy, the patient is asked to concentrate on an image in their mind that is disturbing them, and remember the way it makes them feel both emotionally and physically. The therapist asks them to hold the image in their head while he quickly moves his finger (or an object like a pen/pencil) side-to-side in front of the patient's eyes. The patient is asked to follow the movement of the therapist's finger. This may go on for a number of sessions.

How is it meant to work?

The theory behind this technique states that during a traumatic incident, the way the brain processes information is altered. Thus the information in the brain is 'frozen' in its most disturbing form. It is the failure to 'process' this information that gives rise to the symptoms involved in PTSD.

Shapiro also suggested eye movements can produce information processing in the brain, in a manner similar to that which occurs during a stage of sleep called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. (Editor's note: yes that is where the band REM got their name from!).

It is claimed that the movement of the patient's eyes in following the therapist's finger, can produce the information processing that can reduce the symptoms of PTSD.

Does it work?

Not Sure!

There has been research that shows that it does, but equally there has been research that shows that it doesn't. The Simplepsych team are yet to be convinced, but it's an option.

A brief final note

We appreciate that some people might want to 'have a go' themselves by waggling their finger in front of their own eyes. Don't! For a start you don't know how fast to do it, or for how long, and although this hasn't been scientifically researched (to our knowledge!), it sounds like a recipe for disaster, especially if you are prone to epilepsy or headaches.

* RECOMMENDED BOOKS *

If you are interested in going into even more depth, the following book(s), sold by are recommended by us.

Each is followed by a rating for ease of reading (1-3).

1 = Simple and Easy to comprehend.
2 = More Complex, but still a good read.
3 = Very Complex, really for professionals/those studying to degree level.

"Clicking" on a Book will take you to Amazon where if you "Click" on the shopping basket you will be able to buy it.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (Shapiro)
Price £29.71 Save £5.29
RATING = 3 Very comprehensive, by the originator herself.

EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress & Trauma (Margot Silk Forest)
Price £9.76 (Save 11%)
RATING = 2 We are pretty sceptical about EMDR, but this is a book that covers most of the major points well.

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