What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment which can be successful in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can reduce symptoms of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks associated with this condition. There is a growing body of evidence that it is also beneficial for other conditions; including depression, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, attachment issues, grief/loss, trauma caused by abuse and addictions. EMDR is recommended for the treatment of PTSD in NICE guidelines, as well as the WHO, and other national organizations worldwide.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP). AIP assumes that there is an information processing system in the brain that gets blocked when difficult or traumatic events occur. These events get locked in the brain with the associated picture,noises, thoughts, feelings and body sensations that originally accompanied them.
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Whenever a reminder of the traumatic event arises, the images, noises, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations can continue to be triggered. When these memories are stored in their unprocessed state they can result in emotional problems and psychological disorders.
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EMDR helps the brain to reprocess these memories, alleviating the distress. While we still cannot know for certain what specific physiological changes occur during EMDR, we believe it has something to do with activating parts of the brain responsible for processing and integrating memories. The assumption is that this involves a similar process to that which occurs during the REM stage of sleeping.
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Chloë will help you access these difficult memories or blocking beliefs while administering bi-lateral stimulation in the form of eye movements, taps or sounds. These will activate the parts of the brain that are responsible for integrating and processing memories and help you to activate your brain and body’s own innate healing system. You will not forget your difficult memories, but your physiological response to them can lessen, so that you feel calmer and more in-control.
Get Started with Therapy
To arrange an initial meeting you can call/text me on 07970571155, email me at chloe@arttherapistbrighton.com, or click the button to fill out the contact form.