What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a relatively new form of psychotherapy which was initially designed for those suffering from anxiety conditions, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, and Public Speaking Anxiety, to process and alleviate symptoms associated with traumatic experiences. Unlike Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy commonly used, EMDR attempts to directly work with the processing of trauma in the brain through eye movements.

How Does It Work?

The treatment session for EMDR commonly lasts around 50 minutes. While in a therapy session, the therapist will first understand the past events which has caused the trauma, understand current triggers, and look at future needs. With better understanding of the situation, preparation with the client would be needed where explanation of the symptoms and techniques for an increased sense of control would be fostered.

Reprocessing of traumatic events through EMDR starts when the therapist requests for the client to elicit the image and negative beliefs, and notes the emotional and physical sensations that comes with it. The therapist then directs eye movement and starts to elevate the positive beliefs and integrate it into memory. Finally, the therapist would check for any residual discomfort, or body sensations which would be addressed.

Towards the end of the session, briefing would be conducted, and self-control techniques are reinforced, and evaluation of treatment and its effects would be conducted. Watch the video attached to learn more.

To make an appointment with our EMDR therapist Celestine Chua, call 8800 0554 today.