Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy. It is a type of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but it can also be helpful for other issues like anxiety, depression, and phobias.

During EMDR therapy, the client recalls distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on bilateral stimulation which can involve following the therapist's hand movements with their eyes, listening to tones in each ear alternately, or tactile stimulation such as tapping.

This bilateral stimulation is thought to facilitate the brain's natural healing process, allowing the client to process and reframe traumatic memories in a less distressing way. EMDR therapy typically involves several phases including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation of positive beliefs and closure.

The goal is to help the client process past experiences, reduce the emotional distress associated with those experiences and to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. EMDR is considered an evidence-based therapy and has been endorsed by organisations including the National Institute For Health and Care Excellence (NICE). See link https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116/chapter/recommendations