EMDR Therapy Manchester
EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy that was developed by Francine Shapiro. She began intense scientific research in 1988 and the results were published a year later. Shapiro noticed that when a distressing thought entered the mind, that eyes involuntarily moved rapidly, but when this movement was voluntarily brought under control, anxiety and stress associated with a particular thought was reduced.This psychotherapy emphasizes on disturbing and painful memories that cause psychopathology. This type of therapy is often used in patients that suffer with PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.The main objective of EMDR therapy is to reduce lingering and negative effects associated with disturbing memories and unresolved traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is conducted in a structured manner that consists of eight phases:
1. History. For best results, the therapist needs to gather as much information surrounding the event so they can effectively plan a treatment.
2. Preparation. Guided imagery and relaxation techniques are taught so that the patient is able to reduce stress between therapy sessions.
3. Assessment. The patient is then asked about event that causes them distress and helps then to identify emotions that are associated with a disturbing event.
4. Desensitization is the combination of simultaneously having the patient think about the negative event while the therapist initiates lateral eye movement by introducing an outside stimuli (like a tapping sound or using a pulsing light).
5. Installation. The patient is asked to hold positive thoughts and the therapist will continue with the bilateral stimulation.
6. Physical body scan/evaluation.
7. Closure.
8.Reevaluation is when the therapist will review the work that was completed in the previous session and assess how the patient is coping between sessions.
