EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy technique that aims to relieve the distress associated with disturbing memories. The development of EMDR was initiated in 1987 by Dr. It started when Francine Shapiro accidentally discovered that eye movements can reduce the severity of disturbing thoughts. Dr. Shapiro scientifically examined this effect on trauma survivors and published his study showing the success achieved in treatment (Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1989). Since then, EMDR has developed rapidly with contributions from therapists and researchers from all over the world. Today, EMDR is a holistic (psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and client-centered approach) therapy method that includes elements from many different therapy schools and has standardized protocols specific to different diagnosed conditions.
According to EMDR Therapy, behind psychological disorders and negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors and personality traits, there are traumatic memories that are dysfunctional, unprocessed and stored in isolation. The unprocessed memories that lead to these negative thoughts and feel-good feelings are triggered by events in the present. In addition to major traumas such as natural disasters, major accidents, losses, war, harassment and rape, all kinds of experiences with traumatic effects, especially in childhood; Negative events in the family, school, work environment, exposure to violence, humiliation, rejection, neglect and failures in daily life can be among the unprocessed memories. EMDR is a physiologically based therapy that enables the processing of such isolated memories. It allows the brain to reprocess memories that it could not process in time. EMDR Therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model. According to the Adaptive Information Processing Model, our brain records every memory as an external data through 5 different channels: emotion, thought, bodily sensation and image (smell, taste, sound, image, touch). By connecting these memories together, our memory networks are formed. Each incoming memory becomes functional by connecting to this memory network and creates a whole. Learning through the merging and strengthening of memory networks learning takes place and we gain the necessary information to continue our life in a spiritually healthy way. However; When a traumatic or very stressful event occurs, information about the event cannot be processed as it should and remains isolated and does not connect with existing memory networks containing adaptive information. In conclusion; thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations related to the traumatic event are stored as they are experienced. Traumatic events, which cannot be understood because they cannot integrate with other memory networks, are recorded as frozen and far from the memory network, are easily triggered by internal and external stimuli and cause discomfort to the individual. It significantly affects the way individuals perceive themselves and the world; It causes maladaptive behaviors, deterioration in functionality, and problems in the flow of emotions and thoughts. Therefore, by stimulating the traumatic memory experienced with EMDR Therapy, it is aimed to connect the individual to the functional memory networks again and correctly. With the double stimulation method, experienced traumatic memories are desensitized and functionally reconnected to the appropriate memory network. The individual does not forget the disturbing memory, but the disturbing effect is lost due to desensitization and reprocessing.
Even though EMDR was originally developed as an individual treatment for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it has since been applied to the treatment of many other psychological disorders. Today, the effectiveness of EMDR Therapy has been proven by many scientific studies and is applied by therapists to treat anxiety disorders, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and some personality disorders including panic attacks and phobias.
EMDR has proven to be important for rapid recovery. EMDR enables the processing of locked memories and their relationship with other memories with the bidirectional stimulus technique. By desensitizing and reprocessing painful memories, new learning is facilitated and the negative effects of traumatic moments are eliminated. Desensitization and reinvention Bidirectional stimuli (eye movements, auditory or tactile) that are instrumental for n processing normally produce an effect similar to REM sleep, in which information can be processed. EMDR is included in short-term therapies. In general, the type of trauma, current living conditions and previous traumas determine how long the treatment will last. In EMDR, a three-way protocol is applied, which consists of 8 phases, in which the past, present and future are studied. It is aimed to achieve desensitization by enabling the processing of traumatic memories of the past, to eliminate current symptoms and to develop competence to cope with similar problems in the future.
According to a study conducted in 2019, more than 30 randomized controlled trials found that EMDR effectively reduced or eliminated the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in the majority of clients, and also in symptoms (such as anxiety) that are often associated with psychological problems. (de Jongh et al., 2019.)
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