EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD in Brisbane: What You Need to Know

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR was first developed by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist, in the late 1980s. Shapiro discovered the technique accidentally when she noticed that moving her eyes rapidly back and forth while thinking about a disturbing memory reduced the intensity of her emotions. She began testing this observation on other individuals and found that it was an effective treatment for PTSD.

The initial version of EMDR involved bilateral stimulation, which can include following a therapist's hand movements or listening to alternating tones in headphones. Shapiro hypothesized that the bilateral stimulation mimics the rapid eye movements that occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is when the brain processes memories.

EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. It is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms of PTSD. During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide the individual through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques while they recall the traumatic event. This process helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memory in a more adaptive way, reducing the emotional distress associated with it. EMDR therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. During a session, the therapist will guide the individual through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques while they recall the traumatic event. This process helps the brain integrate the traumatic memory into a more comprehensive and less distressing narrative. Over time, the individual may experience a reduction in symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. EMDR therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD, and is recommended by many mental health professionals.

What Are The Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD?

EMDR therapy has several benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma or are struggling with PTSD. One of the main benefits is that it can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. It can also help individuals process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way, which can lead to a reduction in avoidance behaviors and an increased sense of control over their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, EMDR therapy is a relatively short-term treatment, with many individuals experiencing significant improvement in just a few sessions.

Research has shown that EMDR can be an effective treatment for complex trauma. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation in 2020 found that EMDR was effective in reducing symptoms of complex trauma, including depression, anxiety, and dissociation. The review included ten studies that investigated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating complex trauma, with a total of 325 participants.

One of the key features of EMDR that makes it effective for complex trauma is its focus on addressing the underlying beliefs and emotions that result from the traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may focus primarily on cognitive and behavioral strategies, EMDR seeks to reprocess the traumatic memories themselves, which can lead to a reduction in the intensity of the associated emotions and beliefs.

Another advantage of EMDR for complex trauma is that it can be effective even when traditional talk therapy has failed. Patients with complex trauma often have deeply ingrained beliefs and coping mechanisms that have developed over many years, and may struggle to make progress through traditional therapy. EMDR, by targeting the traumatic memories directly, can break through these barriers and lead to lasting change.

What to Expect During an EMDR Session

During an EMDR therapy session, you will work with a trained therapist to identify specific traumatic memories or experiences that are causing distress. The therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps while you focus on the traumatic memory. This process is designed to help your brain process the memory in a more adaptive way, reducing the intensity of the associated emotions and physical sensations. You may also be asked to engage in other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping your knees or holding vibrating paddles. The therapist will work with you to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable throughout the session.