Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic process by which clients explore and process their traumatic memories and experiences. The aim of EMDR is for the client to change the negative emotions that are linked to the traumatic memory to a more positive and empowering emotion. By utilising eye tracking movement (or other senses such as touch), it is believed that the brain’s ability to process traumatic memories will be enhanced, leading to a change in the way a client views a traumatic memory.

During an EMDR session, the therapist will invite the client to briefly recall a traumatic memory. At the same time, the therapist will direct the client to focus on an external stimulus. This is commonly conducted by directing the client’s eye movement to focus on various objects, but it could also be done via other senses (such as hand tapping or auditory stimulation).  For instance, the therapist may invite the client to track the therapist’s finger while moving it back and forth rhythmically. The focus on external stimulus will then enhance a client’s ability to process information. This improves the client’s ability to process past traumatic experiences, desensitise triggers that may occur in the present, and prepare the client to be mentally adaptive in the future. 

EMDR typically has 8 phases: 

Phase 1: The historical details of the traumatic event will be noted down by the therapist.
Phase 2: The therapist will discuss the methods in which a client could use to handle emotional stress.
Phase 3 – 6: A “target memory” will be identified, and the therapist will work with the client to process the memory.
Phase 7: The therapist assesses the client’s ability to regulate their emotion towards the target memory, and provide additional support if needed.
Phase 8: The therapist re-evaluates the client’s current psychological state, and they will decide.

EMDR is particularly effective for treatments of trauma-related challenges, such as PTSD.