Is EMDR Therapy For You?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat individuals who have experienced traumatic events. It is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored in a different way in the brain and that these memories can be "processed" through a combination of recalling the traumatic event while simultaneously engaging in eye movements, taps, or tones. This helps to regulate the nervous system and reduce the negative symptoms associated with trauma such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that traumatic memories are stored in an unprocessed form in the brain. These memories can lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as guilt, shame, and fear, which can interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life. EMDR therapy aims to process these traumatic memories by helping the brain to make connections between the past, present, and future. This helps to reduce the negative symptoms associated with trauma and allows the individual to move forward in their healing process.
One of the benefits of EMDR therapy is its ability to reduce symptoms of PTSD. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that EMDR therapy was more effective than other treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, in reducing symptoms of PTSD (1). Another study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in veterans who had experienced military-related trauma (2).
EMDR therapy has also been found to be effective in treating other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and phobias. A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with a history of sexual abuse (3). Another study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that EMDR therapy was effective in treating phobias, such as fear of flying (4).
In addition to its effectiveness in treating mental health conditions, EMDR therapy also has been found to be effective in treating physical conditions such as chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A study published in the Journal of Pain found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing chronic pain in individuals with fibromyalgia (5). Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of IBS (6).
The importance of regulating the nervous system after experiencing trauma cannot be overstated. Trauma can cause an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as hyperarousal, irritability, and sleep disturbances. EMDR therapy helps to regulate the nervous system by promoting the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and the ability to cope with stress. This helps the individual to feel more in control of their emotions and physical sensations.
In conclusion, EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. It helps to reduce the negative symptoms associated with trauma such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias and physical conditions such as chronic pain, IBS. It is also an effective way of regulating the nervous system after experiencing trauma. It is important to note that EMDR therapy should be conducted by a trained professional and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any therapy.
References:
Bisson, J. I., & Andrew, M. (2007). Psychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Cochrane Library
