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What is EMDR therapy and what is it for?
Psychology
This model of therapy, in which eye movements come into play, is used for cases of post-traumatic stress
When talking about go to therapyThe idea of visiting a professional encompasses many things, since therapy can consist of sitting in front of someone and narrating what happens to us, but it can also be many other things. Exercises, meditations, games … there are different types of therapy, and each one fulfills a function and is adapted to a different person.
One of these therapies is EMDR. Laura Palomares, director of Avance Psicólogos, explains that these acronyms respond to the abbreviation of ‘Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocesing’, which in Spanish means ‘reprocessing and desensitization by eye movements’.
The treatment, which was discovered in 1987 by Dr. Francine Saphiro, supports the hypothesis that recalling a traumatic memory while moving the eyes from one side to the other generates an alternating stimulation of both cerebral hemispheres, which favors the reprocessing of emotionally intense events or traumatic. “In its application there is a very strict protocol, which aims to create a safe environment at all times for the patient and their needs, as they are being exposed to very intense emotions,” explains Laura Palomares.
How EMDR Therapy Works
As the professional explains, the application of EMDR is based on the idea that the reprocessing of the distressing memory, or negative emotion and cognitions «are shedding a disturbing charge as this ‘exposure in imagination’ is given, always accompanied by the eye movement or stimulation of both hemispheres ”. The objective, says Palomares, is that as sessions are held around a specific discomforto, you feel less discomfort and this materializes in daily life, unlocking symptoms and discomforts that may be behind the traumatic event or concern.
EMDR therapy is generally used primarily for post-traumatic stress (overcoming trauma and treating post-traumatic stress), but also as treatment for anxiety disorders, phobias, obsessive and eating disorders, grief, self-esteem or fear of public speaking. Laura Palomares adds that except for people suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), “what was formerly known as double personality or multiple personality”, everyone can benefit from this model of therapy.
Scientific evidence
Finally, the professional addresses what scientific evidence this therapy has since, as she herself affirms, it is a controversial issue. “For some authors this therapeutic tool is nothing more than an exposure to anxiety in imagination, like any anxiety desensitization technique,” he points out, adding that while its defenders argue that eye movement and the protocol used make it more effective than any other technique. «The truth is that more and more professionals are interested in this treatment. In addition, the treatment guides published by the WHO or associations such as the APA recognize it as an effective treatment ”, he concludes.