Therapies
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EMDR
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
What is EMDR?
EMDR can be thought of as an inherently natural therapy which assists the brain in working through distressing material. Its main aim is to heal dysfunctional ties that arise from past trauma and to enable the individual to live well in the present.
In 1987 Dr Francine Shapiro, a Clinical Psychologist and researcher, observed that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and feelings under certain conditions. In the 1989 edition of The Journal of Traumatic Stress, she reported success using EMDR in treating victims of severe trauma. Since then, EMDR has developed rapidly and has been widely researched. It is now used by trained therapists all over the world and is recommended by NICE as a treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
How does it work?
EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally on a daily basis during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and seems to directly influence the way that the brain functions. It helps to restore normal ways of dealing with problems (ie information processing).
When people are traumatised they may experience such strong emotions that the brain is overwhelmed and unable to cope with or process information as it does ordinarily. These distressing experiences become frozen in time, they are stored in the brain in the original raw form and can recur as action replays or intrusive memories causing the person to repeatedly relive the original traumatic event. Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as experiencing it for the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings have not changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect on the way people see themselves, the world and other people.
Following successful EMDR treatment memories of the event are no longer painful when brought to mind; what happened can still be recalled but it is less upsetting.
Is EMDR effective?
Research studies have shown that EMDR can markedly accelerate the healing process after a traumatic experience and that the effects are long-lasting. There are now more scientifically controlled studies on the treatment of PTSD with EMDR than with any other form of psychological treatment. EMDR is highly effective, preferred by clients and generally of shorter duration than other treatment methods.
What happens in an EMDR session?
The therapist first assesses the client's suitability for EMDR and explains the procedure. The client will be asked to focus on an image of one part of their trauma whilst following a moving light with their eyes as it tracks across a bar. This causes the eyes to flick back and forth mimicking the movements in REM sleep. Several 'sets' of eye movements will be completed and the client's processing assessed. Replaying the traumatic event can sometimes cause strong emotions, however these are usually short lived as processing takes place. The client is always able to stop the eye movements should they feel the need.
One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The type of problem, life circumstances and amount of trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR is usually used with a standard talking therapy so that the client and therapist form a good therapeutic relationship.
What conditions can EMDR help?
Research has shown EMDR to be effective for treating post traumatic stress. Success has also been reported in the treatment of phobias, panic attacks, complicated grief, disturbing memories, pain disorders and performance anxiety.
Further information from EMDR Europe and EMDR International
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CBT
CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is CBT?
CBT is a combination of Behavioural and Cognitive theories that talk about how the way you think about a situation or event affects the way you react to it.
The therapy concentrates on the here-and-now problems, trying to change your current state of mind, rather than looking at the past. The way you see a situation influences your emotions and, therefore, your response; you can make changes to your behaviour without having to understand the underlying cause.
What can it help?
CBT has been found to be helpful in treating a wide range of problems such as Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Anger problems, Eating problems and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder amongst others.
What happens?
You start off by talking to the therapist and discussing the problems you want to address (which may take more than one session). Both then agree what you can do to effect change with the therapist recommending things you can do between sessions to reach your goal.
The work between sessions is most important as it gives you a chance to practice, and reinforce, the changes you want to make. During subsequent sessions you discuss how you are doing and what else could help.
An important part of CBT is that you gain and use skills so that you see yourself as central to the process of change; you must take an active part in making the change you want.
For more information see -
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Mind (mental health charity)
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies