Eye Movement Desensitisation
and Reintegration (EMDR)

 
 

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychological treatment that has been used effectively for over 30 years in a variety of international settings and cultures with many different types of psychological distress.

In 1987, psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certains conditions. Dr Shapiro studied this effect scientifically, and in 1989 reported success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Following this initial discovery many treatment studies were conducted, and there are now more published treatment outcome studies on EMDR than any other treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

These days, EMDR integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies to maximise treatment effects. These include:

  • Psychodynamic

  • Cognitive behavioural

  • Interpersonal

  • Experiential, and

  • Body Centred Therapies

EMDR is an information processing therapeutic technique that incorporates an eight phase approach:

  • Phase 1, 2, 3: Client History, Treatment Planning, Preparation and Assessment

  • Phase 4, 5: Desensitisation and Installation

  • Phase 6, 7: Body Scan and Closure

  • Phase 8: Re-evaluation

EMDR usually takes a minimum of 1-3 sessions for the first three phases, including investigating if EMDR is suitable for your situation.

Does it actually work?

EMDR is one of the most researched psychotherapeutic approaches for PTSD. Since 1989 over 20 controlled clinical studies have found EMDR to effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of PTSD for the majority of clients and it is more efficient.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has recently noted EMDR as a Level 1 treatment for PTSD in their recent published results for ‘Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions: A Literature Review’ (2010) for both young people and adults. This is the highest rating that can be applied to a specific therapeutic approach. Additional research has focussed on use of EMDR for Depression and Anxiety and numerous other issues with extremely good results.

What happens in an EMDR session?

During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as a focus for the treatment session. The client then calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc. The therapist will then begin eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. These eye movements are used until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with a positive thought and belief about yourself.

From https://emdraa.org/emdr-faq/

Melanie has completed both Level 1 (with Sarah Dominguez at The Wattle Centre) and Level 2 (with Jenny O’Dwyer at EMDR Academy) training in EMDR, and is offering appointments for EMDR. Please call (02) 6013 9757 to complete intake with our reception, there may be a short wait before an initial appointment can be offered due to demand for services.