Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative, client-centred approach that treats problems of daily living based on disturbing life experiences that continue to have a limiting or distressing effect on a person throughout the lifespan. It’s Adaptive Information Processing theory hypothesises that current difficulties are caused by disturbing memories that are inadequately processed, and that symptoms are reduced or eliminated altogether when these memories are processed to resolution using dual attention bilateral stimulation. The resolution of these targeted memories is hypothesised to result in memory reconsolidation.

 

The standard application of EMDR therapy is comprised of eight phases and three-pronged approach to identify and process: (a) Memories of past adverse life experiences that underlie present problems; (b) Present-day situations that elicit disturbance and maladaptive responses; and (c) Anticipatory future scenarios that require adaptive responses. There is strong empirical evidence for its use in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, and it has also been found to be an effective, transdiagnostic treatment approach for a wide range of diagnoses in a variety of contexts and treatment settings with diverse populations. 

 

EMDR Psychotherapy treats presenting symptoms, low self-esteem, attachment issues, developmental challenges, and/or other personal characteristics that are mutually elaborated as goals for treatment across diagnostic categories.

 

Laliotis, D., Luber, M., Oren, U., Shapiro, E., Ichii, M., Hase, M., La Rosa, L., Alter-Reid, K., & St. Jammes, J. T. (2021). What Is EMDR Therapy? Past, Present, and Future Directions. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(4), 186–201. https://doi.org/10.1891/emdr-d-21-00029

​