Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR is an interactive psychotherapeutic method developed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It is considered an effective and research-validated approach for treating PTSD as well as other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.
The underlying concept of EMDR is that traumatic memories are stored in the brain in a dysfunctional manner. The use of bilateral alternating stimulation (BAS) in EMDR, such as eye movements, auditory, or tactile stimulation, allows controlled reactivation and reprocessing of the traumatic memory.
Basic Technique: This therapy employs rapid eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation to assist the brain in processing traumatic memories.
Therapeutic Goal: The aim is to enable the patient to process these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact and promotes healthy integration into the patient’s psyche.
Desensitization: At the core of the therapy is the desensitization phase, during which the patient focuses on the traumatic memory while the therapist induces bilateral stimulation, often through left-to-right eye movement.
Emotional Safety: Grounding or stabilization techniques are taught to help the patient manage emotions that may arise between sessions.
Installation of Positive Beliefs: Following desensitization, the patient works on associating positive beliefs with the processed memory.
Scientific Validation: EMDR therapy has undergone numerous international scientific studies and is recognized in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the French National Authority for Health (HAS), and the American Psychological Association (APA).
Integration into Treatment: EMDR is often integrated into a broader treatment plan that may include other forms of therapy.
Self-Efficacy: An important aspect of EMDR is the patient’s empowerment, as they learn to manage their own emotions and reactions.
