Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a powerful psychotherapy technique that was once considered fringe, is becoming mainstream. It has important therapeutic benefits as a treatment for those fighting trauma and PTSD. Dr. Francine Shapiro pioneered this trauma therapy in the late 1980s. Its purpose is to, in the words of the developers, reduce the suffering associated with adverse memories. Health bodies such as the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and the World Health Organization support it. Their passionate defense of it drives home the importance of this program to mental health treatment.
Dr. Shapiro’s path to creating EMDR began in 1987. On one outing, she observed that her eyes were moving quickly back and forth. In this profound moment of realization, she was inspired to bring these eye movements to people’s ability to process and reprogram traumatic memories. Even with the skepticism and accusations of being pseudoscience, by controlled studies published in 1989, Shapiro was able to prove that EMDR worked. In 1995, she further solidified the methodology with her book “EMDR Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures.”
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment often done in a single session with a trained practitioner. The treatment seeks to alleviate the emotional suffering caused by traumatic recollections. This approach provides advantages beyond treating PTSD. It can treat generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, depression, eating disorders, and chronic pain.
According to accredited EMDR trainer and clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Dominguez, the therapy can be life-changing for patients. “It’s not the only intervention I use, but for people that it helps, it’s life-changing,” she states. As Dr. Dominguez notes, many patients have gone through multiple therapies with limited or no results before they find relief with EMDR.
This is an understandably difficult process for clients, as facing past traumas has a tendency to trigger painful emotions. “It can be difficult for clients … even to just think about our past can be really distressing,” Dr. Dominguez explains. She cautions that it could be more difficult in the beginning. It’s important for clients to understand that this discomfort—and at times, even emotional pain—is a critical part of the healing process.
Personal Experiences with EMDR
People of every age and walk of life have spoken about the difference EMDR therapy has made in their lives, particularly about overcoming debilitating mental health issues. Melbourne-based model and influencer Olivia Molly Rogers went even further when she took to Instagram to endorse EMDR, sharing how transformative it’s been in her life. Similarly, high-profile figures such as Miley Cyrus and Prince Harry have openly discussed their positive encounters with this therapeutic approach.
Cyrus shared her story with EMDR in The New York Times, saying, “I loved it, it saved my life.” She elaborated on the unique sensation of the therapy: “It’s so weird, it’s like watching a movie in your mind.” Such celebrity endorsements have played a key role in raising awareness about EMDR therapy and normalizing it among the general public.
He recently experienced EMDR therapy after a personal loss, and so we heard his story as well, Samuel Paske. “I went into ‘helper mode’ … I didn’t give myself the time to process,” he admitted. After his first session, the change was more drastic. “From the first session I felt different … After three sessions I noticed a reduction in my general anxiety,” Paske explained. He insists that EMDR has had a “monumental impact” on his life.
The Future of EMDR Therapy
As community-based EMDR takes hold in the mental health field, its use is quickly diversifying from conventional, direct trauma work. Currently, clinicians are using EMDR to treat substance abuse, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and more. The adaptability of this therapy speaks to its power as an overall healing modality for emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Dominguez highlights the importance of understanding trauma’s subjective nature: “That’s not what life is like … You can imagine if you have a child that cries and no one ever comes to soothe them, that’s going to have a lifelong impact.” This way of looking at trauma reveals the importance of therapeutic settings centered on an individual’s experience and understanding of trauma.
Debates continue about the scientific validity of EMDR. Its growing evidence base and positive feedback from clients and practitioners point to an optimistic future. An increasing number of people are looking for proven solutions to their mental health problems. As such, the need for evidence-based treatments such as EMDR will only increase.
