Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing , also known by its abreviation EMDR claims to relieve the symptoms of Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems using originally only movements of the eyes similar to those which occur naturally in REM sleep.It was invented by American Francine Shapiro in 1987. She observed the way she had been able to banish disturbing thoughts from her own mind. She developed and refined these observations and published a paper in 1989 describing beneficial results in a number of case studies.
The therapy originally consisted of the patient being guided by the therapist in moving their eyes in a random way whilst thinking about their ‘problem’. In the relatively short time of a few minutes the feelings may begin to shift and resolve themselves.
The speed of the therapy and lack of necessary skilled input from the practitioner has led to strong criticism of the approach from some in the psychotherapeutic and psychiatric establishment. The practice also lacks a convincing explanation as to how it works.
Nevertheless extensive studies have repeatedly shown it to be as good as any existing therapy at bringing about improvements in the subjects.
Later developments have removed the focus on the eyes and used a number of other bilateral stimuli such as sound and touch to bring about the effect. Its use has also been extended to include a wide range of conditions.
In recognition of the benefits of the technique Dr. Shapiro has been given an award for Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology by the California Psychological Association and in 2002 the International Sigmund Freud Award for Psychotherapy presented by the City of Vienna in conjunction with the World Council for Psychotherapy.