What is EMDR?
EMDR is an individual, protocol-based (written out) therapy for people who continue to experience the effects of profound experiences.
EMDR is based on the idea that unprocessed traumatic experiences can still be processed by taxing the working memory. You are instructed to make eye movements while imagining the image of a distressing memory.
In addition to eye movements, other forms of working memory load can be used, such as counting, playing games, or taking steps; or different tasks can be combined. You can also wear a headset with beeps, and have ’trillers’ in your hands or socks.
Stimulate the processing system
By evoking the image and the various distracting tasks, the natural processing system is stimulated. Since both making eye movements (and any other tasks) and recalling a traumatic memory both require a lot of your attention, there is less room for the vividness of the memory. Memories can thus be stored in the memory again – often more gently and in a smaller way.
The goal of the treatment is to remove the strong emotional charge of the memories so that you are no longer overwhelmed by them when you have to think about them or are confronted with them.
EMDR 2.0
The use of maximum working memory load is also called EMDR 2.0. In this method, in addition to eye movements, other tasks are also offered and combined so that a person is challenged to the maximum. EMDR 2.0 is essentially no different from regular EMDR; only additional tools are used to make the working memory more demanding and thus increase the effectiveness of the therapy.
There is a study being conducted at Utrecht University comparing regular EMDR with EMDR 2.0.
What does an EMDR session look like?
- First, the therapist will ask you to recall the event – along with the associated images, thoughts, and feelings.
- Then they ask which image at the moment evokes the most tension in you. Questions are asked like: “Where in your body do you feel that tension the most?”or“What makes this picture evoke so much suspense now?“If there is no image, there may be smells or sounds that remind you of the situation.
- At the same time, a distracting task is offered, which stresses the working memory. This involves a set of tasks that last about 30 seconds.
- After each set, there is a brief break. The therapist then asks you what comes to mind. This can trigger a flow of thoughts, images, feelings, and/or bodily sensations.
- After that, you go back to the first image.
- After a number of sets have been played, the question is asked: how much tension does the original image still evoke? And what exactly is the most tension-inducing element.
- You just keep going until the tension and unpleasant sensations are actually less.
- At the end of each session, it is closed positively.
EMDR online and storytelling method
There are also options to do EMDR therapy online via an image-based program.
In young children, the story method can be used. In this case, the parents describe the story to the child, from the child's perspective.
Who can EMDR be helpful for?
EMDR can be helpful for people who have not been able to process a significant event (or events) properly and continue to suffer from it in everyday life.
This can include, among other things, the following events:
- (car) accident
- fire
- abuse or a violent incident
- sexual abuse
- natural disaster
- war situation
- emotional neglect, bullying and loss
- (life-threatening) situation
- witnessing a (life-threatening) situation
In the Netherlands, EMDR therapy is the preferred therapy for people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). It is also increasingly being used in the treatment of other mental health disorders.
For which symptoms can EMDR help?
If you have experienced something serious and have not been able to process it properly, you may be experiencing symptoms such as:
- reexperiences or flashbacks
- nightmares
- avoiding situations that are related to the event
- stress, being constantly alert
- angst
- shame, guilt
- low self-esteem
- concentration problems
- persistent physical complaints (ALK)
- sleep problems
EMDR can be a suitable treatment when these complaints are related to something that has happened to you, such as in the case of PTSD.
Is EMDR suitable for all ages?
EMDR can in principle be applied at any age – even in (young) children.
When significant events occur before language development has begun (this is also called preverbal trauma), a special protocol is applied.
In young children, parents or caregivers play an important role in the treatment.
Where can I find an EMDR therapist?
The title of EMDR therapist is not protected; anyone can call themselves an EMDR therapist. Therefore, it is important that when you are looking for an EMDR therapist, you look carefully at the therapist’s education, work experience, and registrations.
Various EMDR training courses are offered, ranging from one-day courses to multi-day basic and follow-up training with mandatory supervision. You can and should ask a therapist about their experience and training.
EMDR is often offered by mental health organizations that provide treatment for trauma.
You can also find registered EMDR therapists on emdrtherapeuten.nl
Where can I read more about EMDR?
Of Association EMDR Netherlands provides general information, news about developments, and an overview of training courses.
Books
- EMDR Handbook – Ad de Jongh and Erik ten Broeke
- EMDR for complex trauma and dissociation – Anabel Gonzalez and Dolores Mosquera
Video
Watch tip
EMDR: the solution for your trauma?
NOS on 3
In collaboration with
Laurian Hafkemeijer
EMDR Europe Practitioner, clinical psychologist and researcher into the effects of EMDR in people with personality disorders.
