EMDR

Foundation and Background

100

In your own words, what is EMDR?

EMDR stands for eye movement densensitization and reprocessing. It is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people recover from trauma by adapting information processing and activating both hemispheres of the brain.

200

Who developed EMDR and how?

Dr. Francine Shapiro; while walking in a park that moving her eyes appeared to reduce the distress associated with upsetting thoughts.

300

What is the underlying philosophy of EMDR?

1. natural healing

2. past affects presents

3. reprocessing supports healing

400

What are the strengths of EMDR?

• Can reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.
• Does not require extensive verbal descriptions of traumatic experiences.
• Evidence-supported treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

500

What are the limitations of EMDR?

• Can temporarily increase emotional distress when revisiting traumatic memories.
• The exact reasons bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, helps process traumatic memories are still debated.
• Some clients may continue to experience symptoms after treatment and need other therapeutic approaches.

Clinical Application

100

What is the main population the EMDR is used for?

mainly those with PTSD or traumatic experience that are difficult to process, but it has also been used in

200

Why do some people with trauma prefer EMDR to CBT?

easier to administer, has no ‘homework’, shows faster results

300

What positive outcomes does EMDR show?

• remission of PTSD diagnosis and/or lessening of related symptoms such as:
  • Intrusive memories
  • Avoidance 
  • Negative changes in thinking or mood
  • Changes in physical and emotional reactions

400

Other than trauma patients, which populations have had positive outcomes from EMDR therapy?

People experiening depression, anxiety/stress, insomnia, Personality Disorder symptoms, ADHD, and cognitive failure

500

True of False: EMDR is included in theraputic guidelines for non-trauma-related conditions. Explain your answer.

False; EMDR still needs to be researched to ensure it is just as effective of a treatment for non-trauma-related treatments before being formalized.

Core Techniques of EMDR

100

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

A technique that uses rhythmic, alternating sensory input from left to right across the body or field of vision.

200

What is SUD?

Subjective Units of Disturbance; gauge how emotionally charged a traumatic memory is; scale of 1-10

300

What is VOC?

Validity of Cognition; It is a scale that measures how true a positive belief (positive cognition) feels to you when paired with a traumatic or distressing memory; scale of 1-7

400

What differences do you want to see in SUD and VOC by the end of the session(s)?

SUD decreases and VOC increases

500

What are the 8 steps of EMDR?

1. history taking and treatment planning

2. preparation

3. assessment

4. desensitization

5. reevaluation

6. body scan

7. closure

8. installation