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Nevertheless, when possible, the primary method of brain stimulation used in EMDR is to guide a person in making eye movements similar to those that occur spontaneously during natural REM sleep. In fact, it is thought that Shapiro discovered a way to activate the same brain functions as those occurring during REM sleep. Supporting this comparison with REM is the observation that EMDR results in some of the same benefits as those occurring during REM sleep. These benefits include the neutralization of negative, disturbing and unneeded psychological material and, at the same time, the strengthening of new learning, positive associations and pleasant memories. Once emotional equilibrium has been restored, cognitive and behavioral changes are made more easily.
Who benefits from EMDR?
EMDR was first tested and used by Dr. Shapiro to treat persons who had suffered severe trauma (for example, rape, war, and childhood abuse). As a consequence of their past histories, these patients had developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Prior to EMDR, persons with PTSD were extremely difficult to treat successfully and many sufferers were told they would have to accept and tolerate their symptoms. Fortunately, EMDR was found to be extremely effective in helping trauma victims, whether or not they had been previously treated with other approaches. Notable, the effectiveness of EMDR with PTSD has been confirmed by numerous controlled research studies as well as from a plethora of observations from clinicians and patients.
The positive results achieved in these most difficult cases of PTSD encouraged therapists to adapt EMDR to treat other disorders. At the present time the EMDR method has been extended to fears and phobias, shyness and social anxiety, panic disorder, depression, grief and loss, distress related to medical diagnosis or treatment, and even phantom limb pain, to name some of the patient populations successfully treated. In short, it can be said that EMDR has the potential to help with any psychological problem or condition that is caused by events or incidents in a person’s past, that is, a personal history which results in disturbing memories, unresolved issues, and subsequent negative experiences.
How can I learn more?
Several excellent books are available which provide an in-depth description of EMDR, including how it was developed, and descriptions of cases showing it in action. Probably the best book for the general public is by Dr. Shapiro and Margot Silk Forrest titled: EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and Trauma.
Additional information, including references to research articles, can be obtained from the Internet. Here are two excellent sites: The website of Dr. Shapiro’s training institute is: www.emdr.com and the website of the EMDR International Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting training standards, research, continuing education, and service to the public is: www.emdria.org.
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Professional counseling services with care and compassion. |
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EMDR |
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In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro developed a way to enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating psychological symptoms and conditions. Her innovation was based on the discovery of a way to stimulate a person’s brain in order to get the physical brain to reprocess disturbing material. She then used this neurological processing procedure in combination with elements of effective cognitive/behavioral, insight oriented, and experiential therapy to create the approach called EMDR. |
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What is EMDR? |
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Initially the brain stimulation was done by way of saccadic (rapid) eye movements; however, subsequent research discovered other ways to activate this same brain mechanism. EMDR treatment is noninvasive and the brain stimulation promotes a natural, safe, healing response. The treatment was called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, since, with the discovery of other ways to evoke the brain processing, the method can be used even with persons who have eye conditions which prevent vigorous eye movements. |
