Definition
EMDR Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does EMDR Work?
How was EMDR Developed?
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol
What Kind of Problems Can EMDR Treat?

ye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Definition
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative, clinical treatment for victims of trauma. Since its introduction in 1989, the approach has been taught to over 17,000 clinicians worldwide (forward from book Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing by Francine Shapiro. Refer to Resource section of this app for the book.) EMDR is a powerful method of psychotherapy. To date, EMDR has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress (refer to EMDR Video in the Resource section of this app). Only EMDR trained, licensed mental health professionals or those under the direct supervision of licensed clinicians, should use EMDR. Peer supporters and supervisors should use this section of the app to better understand the method of treatment and speak to a mental health professional for a comprehensive description of the treatment. REMEMBER, peer supporters are to recommend an EMDR therapist if necessary, to someone they are helping. (Refer to Referral Section of this app). EMDR is not a treatment provided by peer support!

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR Sessions What happens during an EMDR session? During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that
event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one’s self; for example, “I did the best I could.” During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
How many Sessions of EMDR are needed? One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR therapy may begin. A typical EMDR session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR may be used within a standard “talking” therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
How Does EMDR Work?
How does EMDR work? No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, his/her brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time. The images, sounds, smells, and feelings the experience feel like they haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way he or she relates to other people. EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. People still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. Does EMDR really work? Approximately, 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress. EMDR was also found effective by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment. For further references, a bibliography of research may be found through EMDR International Association’s web site, www.emdria.org (refer to Resource section of this app for videos and books on EMDR). Where can I find an EMDR therapist? Refer to the Referral section of this app, or you can go to www.emdria.org for referrals outside of Southern California.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
How was EMDR Developed? In 1987, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapiro studied this effect scientifically and in a 1989 issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress, she reported success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world. Today, EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol This protocol is a proactive EMDR that targets trauma before it becomes PTSD. It also increases resiliency because it curtails that ability of that stressor to become PTSD. It is good for a clinician to use after an officer involved shooting and after a debriefing has been conducted. (E-TEP refer to EMDR in Resource section of this app).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What Kind of Problems Can EMDR Treat?
What kind of problems can EMDR treat? For Public Safety and First Responders, EMDR is effective for post traumatic stress (PTSD). However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions: Personality disorders Panic attacks Complicated grief Dissociative disorders Disturbing memories Phobias Pain disorders Eating disorders Performance anxiety Stress reduction Addictions Sexual and/or physical abuse Body dysmorphic disorders