Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a recognised psychotherapy approach with a focus on resolving unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts or behaviours allowing the brain to resume to it’s natural healing process.

This therapy is effective for those who struggle to talk about their past experiences and can be tailored to process past events and resolve related psychological condition/s.

The treatment process incorporates standardised procedures focusing on phases such as client history, treatment planning, preparation and assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure and re-evaluation.

During treatment therapy, Nerida aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen useful and positive ways of thinking related to past events of the client.  Nerida assists the client to identify when they began feeling these symptoms, memories associated with the feelings and then begins eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. This technique is effective in helping process the memory resulting in a positive resolution and leaving clients feeling they can talk about their memory without distress.

Advantages of EMDR therapy

• Can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies
• Does not require talking in detail about the distressing event/trauma
• No direct exposure to traumatic memories
• Does not involve direct challenging of beliefs
• No homework between sessions

Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR can be used for any of the conditions listed below:

• PTSD and other trauma and stress related issues
• Addictions
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
• Chronic illness and pain
• Depression and bipolar disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Personality disorders
• Phobias
• Sexual assault
• Sleep disturbance
• Violence and abuse

EMDR Therapy is endorsed by:

• Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
• The World Health Organisation (2013)
• The Australian Psychological Society (2010)
• The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2009)
• National Health and Medical Research Council – 2007
• American Psychiatric Association (2004)
• US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defence (2004)
• Northern Ireland Department of Health (2003)
• Dutch Guidelines of Mental Health Care (2003)
• Israel National Council for Mental Health (2002)
• Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association (1998)