EMDR therapy: what it is?

Ever heard of EMDR therapy ? You should know that it emerged in the 80’s and has now become one of the most successful ways to treat anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder . Using a combination of techniques, EMDR can help people release distressed memories and emotions so they can heal and move forward in their lives. So, in this post we are going to explore this therapy in more detail to understand how it works. If you are looking a clinic for private emdr therapy in London then must visit City Psychological Services. We have the best therapist who are ready to listen to your issues and provide you with the best therapy sessions.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychological therapy used to treat various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy harnesses the brain’s natural mechanisms for processing and releasing traumatic memories and emotional stress. Specifically, it uses an eye movement method to help the brain process information more quickly and efficiently. The aim of EMDR therapy is to help people overcome their trauma and achieve greater emotional stability and better mental health.

What is EMDR therapy used for?

The World Health Organization (WHO), since 2013, recommends EMDR therapy to treat trauma and stress-related disorders. In addition, therapists can use it to treat other types of emotional problems , such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Anxiety and depression.
• Panic attacks and phobias.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Psychotic and dissociative disorders.
• Grief and loss.
• Physical, sexual and emotional violence and abuse.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Substance abuse and drug addiction.

Is EMDR therapy effective?

EMDR therapy is not centered on the diagnosis, but on the patient and their inherent healing mechanisms . It also takes into account the influence of the environment in which the person developed. One of the main advantages of EMDR over cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is that it does not require verbalization of the traumatic event. For example, it may be recommended for the treatment of a sexual or physical abuse disorder, because the victim does not have to trigger the memory by talking about what happened. Finally, research has found that this technique can be very effective for patients of all ages . However, results may vary depending on the patient and the nature of the mental or emotional disorder. Some people may experience significant improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer treatment.

How is EMDR therapy applied?

EMDR therapy uses bilateral visual, auditory or kinesthetic stimulation to process these traumatic memories. EMDR techniques include the following:

• Horizontal saccadic eye movements . The therapist performs a series of finger movements in front of the patient’s eyes, who must follow them with their gaze without moving their head.
• Bilateral auditory stimulation . This consists of the use of bilateralized music with headphones, a brain stimulation technique that uses sounds played alternately in the right and left ears of the listener. The therapist can control the musical tones and modify their intensity and speed.
• Play . This is a technique that involves gently touching the patient’s two knees alternately.

Since each patient is different, the therapist must assess which treatment is best in each case. It is important to note that this therapy can be combined with other therapies, increasing its effectiveness.