Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an inclusive therapy that integrates various aspects of other psychotherapeutic models. It utilizes imagery and bilateral stimulation of the brain, using painless taps or eye movements, to relieve distress caused by traumatic events.
Although there have been several proposed hypothesis for how EMDR works there is no current consensus. It is however, a safe and effective therapy when used by a competent trained therapist. Treatment length is generally shorter than traditional talking therapies such as CBT but is still dependent on the severity of the condition being treated. It can be used as a stand alone therapy or integrated as required to assist us to process specific trauma memories that have caused us to behave negatively to specific situations or stimuli.
EMDR is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of:
It is also very effective in combination with CBT or ACT for the treatment of: