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About EMDR 

Therapy

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that reduces distress associated with particular memories. Underpinned by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, it proposes that many psychological difficulties and behavioural responses result from dysfunctionally stored memory (often a traumatic experience, but not always) which becomes "stuck" in its own memory network. 

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The AIP is part of the body’s natural healing ability. A useful metaphor is that a cut in the skin naturally heals —but not if there is a splinter stuck in it. EMDR helps remove the "blocked memory" so the mind can naturally heal. â€‹

How does EMDR work?

Like most psychotherapies, we're not 100% sure exactly how EMDR works, however there is good evidence it works in a few interrelated ways:

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Orienting and relaxation responses:

The orienting response (OR) is a natural reflex that prepares us to respond to potential danger. In EMDR therapy, it is thought that the eye movements (EMs) or other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS) trigger the OR, disconfirming the emotional distress related to the memory. â€‹

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Working memory model​:

Our working memory allows us to multitask in different areas (like walking and talking at the same time), however the working memory has limited capacity. In EMDR therapy, activating a specific memory while doing BLS, uses the brains limited ability to handle visual and emotional information at the same time. As a result, the memory becomes less vivid and less emotional.

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Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and interhemispheric communication:

Eye movements (and other forms of BLS) used in EMDR therapy are thought to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by enhancing communication between the brain's hemispheres. This stimulation mimics the natural process that occurs during REM sleep, which is believed to play a role in processing and storing emotional experiences.

 

Cognitive Restructuring:

Throughout the EMDR process, negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories are internally replaced with more adaptive, positive beliefs. This cognitive restructuring contributes to a healthier self-perception and worldview.

What can EMDR treat?

EMDR is a widely researched and supported therapy for the treatment of trauma. EMDR has also proven effective for a wide range of psychological issues (Scelles & Bulnes, 2021), including:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Phobias

  • Grief and Loss

  • Addictions

  • Performance anxiety

  • Somatoform disorders

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Mood disorders

  • Reaction to severe stress

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Pain

  • Neurodegenerative disorders

  • Sleep

EMDR Phases

EMDR Therapy has eight phases:

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Phase one: History Taking

  • The therapist and client build a working relationship, understanding current challenges and available resources. The therapist gathers relevant client history to create a treatment plan, focusing on the traumatic events to address in therapy.

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Phase two: Client Preparation

This phase prioritises safety and preparation for therapy.

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  • EMDR processes, terms, and expectations are explained.

  • Coping strategies are developed to manage any emotional distress that may arise.

  • Some clients may need extra time in phases 1 and 2 before feeling ready to progress further.

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Phase three: Assessment

  • The target memory is identified, along with its associated negative beliefs and physical sensations linked to the distressing event.​

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Phase 4: Desensitisation

  • Phase three "activates" the target memory network.

  • BLS begins and continues until the SUD reduces to zero (or 1 if appropriate). During this time, new thoughts, sensations, images, and feelings may emerge.

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Phase 5: Installation

  • The client associates and strengthens a positive belief with the target event until it feels completely true.

  • This helps to replace the negative beliefs initially linked to the memory with more adaptive ones.

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Phase 6: Body Scan

  • The client observes their physical sensations while thinking about the memory and the new positive beliefs. 

  • Any residual tension or discomfort is processed until there is no distress. 

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Phase 7: Closure

  • The client is supported to return to a state of calm in the present moment whether the reprocessing is complete or not. Coping strategies to manage any residual distress are reinforced. 

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Phase 8: Re-evaluation

  • Subsequent reprocessing sessions begin with re-evaluation

  • The client and therapist discuss recently processed memories, and the progress made to determines if further processing is needed for the targeted memory or if new memories need to be addressed. 

Acknowledgment of Country

Grow Gently Counselling acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

 

Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

 

Grow Gently Counselling recognises the past atrocities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples faced. Australia was founded on the genocide and dispossession of First Nations people, and colonial structures and policies remain in place with ongoing detrimental impacts.

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