Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

Uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping) to help process and reduce trauma-related distress

What is EMDR?

Bilateral Stimulation

Desensitization of traumatic memories

Cognitive reprocessing (install positive beliefs)

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model

What are the tx principles of EMDR?

Distress persists when traumatic memories are inadequately processed and stored maladaptively; EMDR helps reprocess and adaptively integrate these memories.

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model

Use of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps) to reduce distress tied to traumatic images

Desensitization

(HPADIBCR)

History Taking

Preparation

Assessment

Desensitization

Installation

Body Scan

Closure

Re-evaluation

What are the phases of EMDR?

Trauma survivors, mainly for PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, dissociation, refugees, psychosis (with caution)

Who is EMDR for?

Evidence-based for PTSD

Adaptable to different populations

Minimal homework

What are the strengths of EMDR?

Less effective for non-PTSD conditions

Emotional intensity

Still debated

What are the limitations of EMDR?