The abbreviation EMDR stands for: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and refers to the process of Desensitization and Reprocessing of information through eye movements. EMDR is an especially useful method for transforming traumatic memories and acute stress charges. The process releases charges on mental-, physical- and emotional levels.
The method was developed in the late 1980s by the American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro.
He observed that eye movements gave her relief as he thought about disturbing events.
Once the method was developed, it was first tested with veterans of the Vietnam War and people who had suffered abuse. All tested persons suffered from PTSD. In all cases the positive effects of the EMDR treatment were maintained over time.
There are different theories to explain how EMDR works. The one that stands out the most is related to the eye movement that takes place during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep. In the REM phase, we integrate and process experiences of the day.
The more impactful the experiences, the more difficult they are to integrate.
Traumatic events that have not been able to integrate or have been treated, remain present, invading with images and intrusive thoughts the present and thus prevent the normal continuation of life. Among others, these are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
The treatment can be considered as an aid to our emotional-cognitive system to be able to manage, elaborate and finally integrate difficult experiences.
Sie bleiben präsent und A Trauma must be elaborated in an informed way. In this, an evaluation and a preparation process are essential.
Bilateral stimulation is a complex treatment that should be used only by a duly trained and certified clinical professional for its application. The technique is used within the framework of psychotherapy and an empathetic therapist-client relationship for a proper integration of all associated symptoms.
Through professional treatment, the negative charge associated with difficult events disappears. As a consequence, painful events can be placed as a memory in the past.
Today it is known that bilateral stimulation that can be tactile or auditory, can produce the same effect as eye movement. This fact means that people who suffer from sensitivity or difficulties with eye movement can also benefit from the treatment.
A Trauma must be elaborated in an informed way. In this, an evaluation and a preparation process are essential.
Bilateral stimulation is a complex treatment that should be used only by a duly trained and certified clinical professional for its application. The technique is used within the framework of psychotherapy and an empathetic therapist-client relationship for a proper integration of all associated symptoms.
Through professional treatment, the negative charge associated with difficult events disappears. As a consequence, painful events can be placed as a memory in the past.
Today it is known that bilateral stimulation that can be tactile or auditory, can produce the same effect as eye movement. This fact means that people who suffer from sensitivity or difficulties with eye movement can also benefit from the treatment.
There are numerous scientific publications that talk about the effectiveness of EMDR. Related articles can be found at EMDR.
Treatments are especially effective in dealing with Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PET) and Depression.
People diagnosed with depression or anxiety have often suffered from anxiety-bearing situations sustained over time or directly suffered trauma. When stressful life events played an important role we see that EMDR psychotherapy shows good results in remission of depression and anxiety.
The trained therapist recognizes relationships in a detailed and well-founded history and can properly deal with stressful memories.
If you have any questions about dealing with EMDR, please call us or make an appointment for a consultation.
