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Imagine being able to alleviate the burden of past traumas without years of therapy or by having to swallow a pill. Picture a treatment capable of transforming the mind’s reaction to painful memories through a simple yet powerful process. Welcome to the world of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is revolutionizing the mental health field. Let’s check together how this therapeutic marvel is changing lives, one eye movement at a time.
EMDR Meaning & Origins
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. The therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, an American psychologist. The inception of EMDR occurred serendipitously when Shapiro noticed that her own distressing thoughts diminished as her eyes moved rapidly back and forth while walking in a park. Intrigued by this phenomenon, she conducted further research and clinical studies, before publishing her first article formalizing EMDR as a therapeutic technique.
In 2013 the WHO approved EMDR for use in treating PTSD and other mental health disorders. Since then, EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions involving trauma.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that trauma and distressing experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information.
The therapy uses a structured eight-phase approach (history taking and treatment planning – preparation – assessment – desensitization – installation – body scan – closure and – reevaluation) to address these unprocessed memories and reduce their impact.
Interview with EMDR-trained Psychologist Sabine Hottois
For this article, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sabine Hottois, an EMDR trained psychologist.
Why are you interested in EMDR and why is this method important to you?
I first heard about EMDR 15 years ago during my psychology studies. Also, this modality is also recommended by the World Health Organisation.
I got interested because it is an integrative psychology, which means that isn’t separated from the psychoanalyst, like other methods are. I also love that EMDR is a powerful, short practice in service of the people.
What is necessary for a professional to have in order to practice EMDR?
First, the person practising EMDR should be a psychologist or a psychiatrist and be formed for the EMDR initial clinical interview.
Then, the facilitator needs to develop observation skills to detect dissociative disorders in the patient. It’s important to know if the patient has intern and extern resources, like a stable and supportive environment.
What are the different phases of EMDR therapy?
- Assessment and Preparation: get to know the patient, his history & goals
- Resource Installation: establish positive resources to help the client manage distress, such as safe spaces, nurturing figures, or empowering memories
- Target Identification: identify negative experiences. If the patient can’t remember it, we start with the first memory coming to his mind
- Processing with Dual Awareness: Apply Bilateral Simulation (e.g., guided eye movements, tactile tapping) to process the target memory while anchored in the positive resource. There is often a negative belief linked to the trauma, for example: “I have been assaulted so I am not safe”. The goal is to replace this negative belief by a positive and empowering one, for example: “I am strong, I am in control”.
- Integration and Grounding: consolidate learnings and use grounding techniques to stabilize their emotional state
- Evaluation and Closure: Evaluate changes in the intensity of distress and the integration of positive resources & plan the next steps
Is EMDR a safe method to integrate psychedelic experiences?
It is difficult for me to answer this question as I don’t have experience with psychedelics. I do believe that EMDR can be effective in integrating those experiences, but it requires careful consideration and a skilled practitioner familiar with both modalities. Both EMDR and psychedelics can bring up intense emotions. Combining them too quickly or without proper preparation may be overwhelming.
How have you obtained your license?
I got my license at the IFEMDR (Institut francais d’EMDR) which is accredited by the EMDR Europe & EMDR USA Instituts.
Are there any contradictions to receiving EMDR therapy?
Even if EMDR is considered safe, I wouldn’t use it on patients suffering from severe disassociative disorders, addiction troubles or epilepsy.
Also, I wouldn’t do some of the exercises with pregnant women.
EMDR Therapy certification
First of all, there is a difference between EMDR facilitators and EMDR-certified therapists.
EMDR trained
Therapists with this designation have completed the basic EMDR training, which is typically divided into two separate weekends. Between these weekends, therapists must complete at least 10 consultation hours to discuss cases and apply EMDR therapy with clients. Being EMDR Trained signifies that the therapist has finished the basic training and the required consultation hours.
Certified EMDR Therapist
Therapists who are Certified in EMDR have, on top of the EMDR training, completed at least 20 additional hours of consultation and conducted a minimum of 50 clinical sessions using EMDR. These therapists must have been licensed for at least two years as independent practice mental health professionals, meaning they are not interns or still under supervision.
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