EMDR is the Turkish acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and represents a powerful psychotherapy approach. This approach to therapy has helped millions of people across age groups effectively treat various psychological disorders.
Origin of EMDR
The development of EMDR, Dr. It began in 1987, when Francine Shapiro discovered that eye movements could reduce the effects of disturbing thoughts. Dr. Shapiro scientifically investigated this effect on individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress and published his successes in the treatment process in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 1989.
Since then, EMDR has developed rapidly with the contributions of therapists and researchers around the world. Today, EMDR has become a holistic therapy method that includes elements of many different schools of therapy and offers customized protocols for different diagnoses.
How Does EMDR Work?
The theoretical basis of EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model. According to this model, the brain processes and functionalizes the information that reaches it with each new experience. Information such as emotion, thought, sensation, image, sound, smell are processed and integrated by connecting to related memory networks. In this way, experiences make learning possible. However, this process can be disrupted when traumatic or extremely distressing events occur. Unprocessed memories remain isolated, and these isolated memories can affect life today.
EMDR enables such unprocessed memories to be processed through a physiologically based therapy. It helps the brain do this process and allows the person to see disturbing memories from a healthier perspective.
How is EMDR Therapy Applied?
EMDR therapy includes an 8-step and three-way protocol. The purpose of this protocol is to desensitize past memories by reprocessing them, treat present-day symptoms, and enable the client to cope with similar problems in the future.
Client History: Memories that are the source of the symptoms and future goals are determined and a treatment plan is created.
Preparation: The client is informed about EMDR and prepares for the procedure.
Evaluation: The therapist helps the client identify the picture that represents the target memory, his current negative beliefs and emotions about this picture, and his feelings in his body.
Desensitization: The client focuses on the picture he has chosen, thinks about his negative beliefs, experiences his negative emotions, and notices the changes in his body. Then the client frees his mind and follows his eye movements with the guidance of the therapist.
Placement: Sets are applied to reinforce positive belief.
Body Scan: Scans the client's body and processes uncomfortable sensations.
Closing: The therapist gives feedback to the client and informs them about what may happen after the session.
Re-evaluation: The results achieved in the previous session and whether positive beliefs have been established are evaluated. The processing process continues or new memories are worked on.
How Long Does EMDR Take?
EMDR therapy is a short-term therapy approach. However, the duration of treatment may vary depending on the client's specific situation, living conditions and number of traumas.
Effectiveness of EMDR
EMDR therapy has been found effective by many scientific studies and international health organizations. Research shows that EMDR reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress and improves symptoms associated with psychological problems.
For more information, you can refer to resources such as EMDR International Association ( www.emdria.org ), EMDR Europe ( www.emdr-europe.org ) and EMDR Turkey ( www.emdr-tr.org ).
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