EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed over 30 years ago to successfully treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Since then, EMDR is now used to treat a wide range of mental health problems.  The understanding is that the mind remodel and heal itself naturally, in the same way the body does.  The mind generally heals during sleep, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) and EMDR works in a similar way.

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR is an evidenced based treatment that can be used to treat a variety of conditions and can be life-changing! It is especially helpful for those conditions that are deep-seated, or where the client doesn’t want to take the normal “talk-therapy” approach, or for people who have “tried everything” but haven’t experienced any lasting or meaningful change.

EMDR can be used for:

·      Anxiety (including performance anxiety) and panic attacks

·      Depression

·      Addictions

·      Eating Disorders

·      Weight Problems

·      PTSD (perhaps put a click through to the ones in green to the trauma page)

·      Complex PTSD

·      Complex Childhood Trauma

·      Single Incident Trauma

·      Sleep Disorders

·      Phobias

·      Complicated Grief

·      Chronic Pain Issues & Phantom Limb Pain

·      Self-Esteem Issues

What is an EMDR session like?

After a thorough assessment, you will be asked specific questions about your particular concern. Your therapist will ask you to draw on the feelings and emotions that accompany the concern.  Then, using the EMDR technique, your therapist will create specific eye movements, similar to the ones during REM sleep, by following the therapist’s finger movements backwards and forwards in a specific way across your visual field.  These eye movements are broken down into sets that span about 30 seconds each.

After each set the therapist pauses and asks you to notice what is occurring for you.  This continues until the memory/concern is distanced and the emotional charge is neutralised.  Other associated memories can be healed at the same time.  The linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic improvement in many aspects of your life.

Can anyone benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can accelerate therapy by resolving the impact of past traumas and lingering concerns, which can then allow you to “re-programme” your mind and live a more content and peaceful life. However, the process is rapid, so you need to be prepared to potentially experience some strong and disturbing thoughts and feelings during the sessions, which means it may not be appropriate for those who are not ready to work through past issues/trauma.

Will I remain in control?

Yes, you are fully alert, awake and in control the whole time.  This is not hypnosis and you can stop the process at any time.  During the actual EMDR process the therapist intervenes as little as possible as it is understood that your mind will heal and create new connections as required during the process.  Most people report that they find it a very empowering process that prompts a newfound sense of wellbeing either immediately or soon afterwards.

What research and evidence is available for EMDR?

EMDR is a cutting-edge clinical treatment that has successfully helped over a million people worldwide.  Rigorous research and controlled studies have established the effectiveness of EMDR and numerous published studies can be found online.

We welcome you to contact Alexandra Field for more information on 9286 1166 or  alexandra@remede.com.au

To get started and book an appointment, call 08 9286 1883 or email: reception@remede.com.au