Eye Movement Reprocessing

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Introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Related Concepts
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an eight phase integrative psychotherapy approach discovered and developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. Over the past 25 years, research has established EMDR as an effective treatment of trauma (Bisson, et al., 2007). EMDR is informed by the adaptive information processing (AIP) model which asserts incompletely processed and dysfunctionally stored memories are the primary source of clinical pathology (Solomon & Shapiro, 2008). The focus of EMDR therapy is the targeted processing of these disturbing memories which in turn alter their negative associations.
The AIP paradigm considers faultily processed …show more content…
Two theories have garnered the most research regarding the positive effects EMDR attributes to bilateral stimulation. The first likens the process to that of the REM sleep cycle and is supported by studies indicating sleep assists in the constructs of memory processing required to resolve trauma (Stickgold, 2008). The other hypothesis asserts bilateral stimulation disrupts working memory. According to research, the vividness and emotionality of traumatic memories are lessened when a person carries out the distracting the task such as eye movements while recalling the memory (Gunter & Bodner, …show more content…
The EMDR therapist identifies and processes (1) significant past experiences that influence the client’s current problems; (2) present events that trigger dysfunctional reactions; and (3) restructures memory networks to strengthen the client’s capacity to respond more positively in the future (Solomon & Shapiro, 2008). EMDR therapy defines specific protocols and techniques necessary to maintain the client’s safety and Shapiro consistently emphasizes the importance of compliance to the protocol but acknowledges the significance of the therapeutic alliance in EMDR treatment (Marich, 2012). Marich (2012) surveyed what former clients valued in EMDR treatment and participants cited therapist personality, ability to empower clients, flexibility (versus rigidity to set EMDR protocols) and a sense of ease and comfort in working with trauma as helping them feel safer. Although EMDR defines specific protocols and techniques, Classic Rogerian constructs of empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard that represent the foundation of client-centered therapy are essential in the application of the EMDR
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