Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
During the course of development EMDR has been used extensively for the treament of war veterans in the US with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is currently used by a number of authorities (Fire and rescue services, Police forces and Health Authorities) in the UK for the treatment of trauma. It is recommended by NICE as a treatment of choice for PTSD.
In addition to treating what might be called 'Big T' traumas, that is single or multiple event trauma resulting from physical assault, rape, accident, childhood abuse or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, EMDR can also be effective as part of an integrated therapy for the treatment of 'small t' traumas. Typically unresolved issues stemming from childhood experiences which repeatedly have a negative influence on adult behaviour, often resulting in negative self belief, anxiety and panic attacks, depressive episodes and Obsessive Compulsive disorders (OCD).
EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and as such can be thought of as an inherently natural therapy which assists the brain in working through distressing material. The process of mimicking or bi-lateral stimulation involves the client following the therapists fngers as they move from side to side.
One of the major advantages of this therapy for the client is not having to sit and talk through all the details of the traumatic event. As the client's eyes follow the movement of the therapists fingers the client is able to re-experience past events (although distressing) as if watching a video or as if looking through the window of a train watching the images emotions and sensations passing like scenery. All that is required of the client to say is what changes have been experienced during each set of eye movements.
If you would like to know more about EMDR therapy please contact Mike Bellew, a member of the EMDR Association United Kingdom & Ireland
01460 242349
Counsellor - Counselling - EMDR - CBT - Taunton - Yeovil - Counsellor - Counselling