What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a treatment method used to process distressing or traumatic experiences.
During treatment you bring a memory to mind while your attention is also occupied by a distracting task. For example, you may follow the therapist’s fingers or a moving dot with your eyes. The aim is for the memory to become less emotionally charged.
When might EMDR be appropriate?
Besides trauma processing, EMDR can be used for certain fears, phobias and negative self-image. During the intake we discuss your experiences and symptoms and consider whether EMDR is an appropriate option for you.
What happens during a session?
We first discuss which memory we will work with and what it brings up for you. During processing I provide a distracting stimulus. At intervals we pause to notice what you are experiencing. The approach is tailored to your situation. More time may sometimes be scheduled for EMDR, for example 90 minutes.
Bilateral stimulation in practice
Traditionally, EMDR often uses hand movements made by the therapist that are followed with the eyes. Depending on what is appropriate during a session, other forms of bilateral stimulation may also be used, such as audio cues, vibrations or a visual stimulus on a screen.
For these forms of stimulation I can use EMDR Trace, which allows visual, auditory and haptic stimuli to be configured and controlled during the session.
FOR FELLOW CLINICIANS
Do you work with EMDR?
EMDR Trace is also available to fellow clinicians, including control from a second device and optional eye tracking.