8615 Ridgely’s Choice Drive
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
WebMaster: Edward Lehwald
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing: A Brief Overview
By Ann Lehwald, L.C.S.W.-C
By Ann Lehwald, L.C.S.W.-
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment procedure that has shown incredibly positive and rapid results. A technique introduced by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., EMDR was originally used to help individuals deal with trauma and the symptoms of PTSD.
Over the last twelve years; however, EMDR has been found to be effective in treating several problems including anxiety, addictions, chronic pain, excessive grief, somatic disorders, and depression.
EMDR is derived from an accelerated information processing model of the brain. Dr. Shapiro states that there is a distinct part of the brain that facilitates the flow of information. She theorized that information that is non-co nflictual is normally easily processed to a state of “adaptive resolution”. During the process of adaptive resolution, a person thinks and feels a certain way about an event, makes appropriate connections about the content of the experience and stores that information in the brain. This constitutes a memory.
When someone is traumatized, a neurophysical imbalance is created and the information remains stored in the person’s memory bank in the state in which the person originally experienced it both cognitively and affectively. This is generally at the root of PTSD, as well as many of the other difficulties individuals bring to a therapist’s office.
In 1987, Dr. Shapiro discovered that rapid eye movement decreased negative arousal, anxiety, and negative beliefs that a person may hold. EMDR utilizes rapid eye movement or other alternate stimulus to trigger a physiological response to activate the brain’s information processing and thereby reprocess the information so that the memories of trauma and/or negative experiences can be brought to an adaptive state.
In 1987, Dr. Shapiro discovered that rapid eye movement decreased negative arousal, anxiety, and negative beliefs that a person may hold. EMDR utilizes rapid eye movement or other alternate stimulus to trigger a physiological response to activate the brain’s information processing and thereby reprocess the information so that the memories of trauma and/or negative experiences can be brought to an adaptive state.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing consists of eight steps which starts with a thorough history of an individual’s background and concerns. After the therapist and client assess the issue to be addressed, with the help of alternate stimulus, such as eye movements, the individual is helped to reprocess the issue. Throughout this process, the therapist is assessing the client’s emotional and cognitive state.
Although EMDR may appear simplistic it does require some intensive training. Clinicians are required to participate in both didactic and experiential training in EMDR before receiving certification. Clinicians must be either licensed social workers, psychologists, certified counselors, or medical doctors before beginning the training.
The use of EMDR has grown tremendously and therapists are being trained worldwide in its use. Its effectiveness has been validated by many studies. Whether used exclusively or used as an adjunct to traditional therapies, EMDR is not a procedure to be ignored.