EMDR and ACT

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy approach that is primarily used to treat individuals who have experienced traumatic events and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related conditions.

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain’s memory networks, causing emotional and psychological distress. The goal of EMDR is to help the individual process and integrate these traumatic memories in a healthier way.

What are the benefits of EMDR therapy?

EMDR has been shown to offer several benefits for individuals who have experienced traumatic events or are struggling with trauma-related conditions.

Here are some of the potential benefits of EMDR:

• Reduction of trauma symptoms: EMDR has been found to effectively reduce the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions. These symptoms may include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviours.
• Processing and integration of traumatic memories: EMDR aims to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories into more adaptive neural networks. Through bilateral stimulation and the guidance of a trained therapist, individuals can reprocess traumatic experiences, resulting in a decrease in the emotional distress and intensity associated with those memories.
• Relief from distressing emotions and beliefs: EMDR can help individuals alleviate distressing emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, and shame, that are often associated with traumatic events. It can also aid in replacing negative self-beliefs and cognitions related to the trauma with more positive and self-affirming beliefs.
• Enhanced emotional endurance: By addressing and resolving past traumas, EMDR can contribute to emotional resilience. Individuals may experience a reduction in emotional reactivity and find it easier to regulate their emotions in their daily lives.
• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence: EMDR can help individuals develop a healthier self-concept and better relationship with themselves. Through the reprocessing of traumatic memories and the integration of positive beliefs, individuals can experience a greater sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
  
• Expanded coping skills: EMDR therapy often involves teaching individuals various coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage distressing emotions that may arise during the therapy process. These coping skills can be beneficial not only during therapy but also in daily life, empowering individuals to effectively cope with stressors and triggers.
• Generalisation of positive changes: The positive changes experienced through EMDR therapy have been found to generalise beyond the specific traumatic memory targeted in treatment. Individuals may notice improvements in other areas of their life, such as relationships, work, and overall well-being.

It’s important to note that the benefits of EMDR can vary from person to person, and not everyone will respond to the therapy in the same way. EMDR should be conducted by a qualified and trained professional who can assess the suitability of the therapy for an individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

What happens in an EMDR session?

During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, which can involve rapid eye movements, hand taps, or auditory tones. These bilateral stimuli are designed to engage both sides of the brain and facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.

The EMDR process typically involves eight phases:

1. History taking: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies specific targets for treatment.
2. Preparation: The therapist helps the client develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage distressing emotions that may arise during the therapy.
3. Assessment: The client focuses on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in the bilateral stimulation techniques.
4. Desensitisation: The bilateral stimulation continues as the client allows the distress associated with the traumatic memory to decrease.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs and thoughts are reinforced to replace negative beliefs related to the traumatic memory.
6. Body scan: The client checks for any residual tension or physical sensations related to the traumatic memory.
7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client feels stable and grounded before ending each session.
8. Re-evaluation: At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses any changes and determines the focus for the next phase.

EMDR aims to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote emotional healing. It is important to note that while EMDR has shown promising results in treating trauma-related conditions, it may not be suitable or effective for everyone. It is recommended to seek a qualified and licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR for appropriate assessment and treatment.

Can EMDR and ACT work together?

While EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are two distinct therapeutic approaches, they can be integrated to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with various mental health concerns.

Here’s how EMDR can be used in ACT therapy:

• Addressing traumatic experiences: EMDR can be utilised within the framework of ACT to process and resolve traumatic experiences that may interfere with an individual’s ability to engage fully in valued actions.
• Trauma-related distress and symptoms can create barriers to living a meaningful life. By using EMDR to target and reprocess traumatic memories or experiences, ACT can then focus on helping individuals align their behaviours with their core values.
• Enhancing psychological flexibility: ACT aims to develop psychological flexibility, which involves developing the ability to stay present, fully engaged in the present moment, and acting in line with one’s values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts, feelings, and memories. EMDR can help individuals process and reduce the emotional intensity and distress associated with traumatic memories or other distressing experiences, which can contribute to increased psychological flexibility.
• Resolving blocks and barriers: EMDR can be used to identify and address specific blocks or barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in valued actions or pursuing their goals. By targeting and reprocessing specific memories or experiences that contribute to these blocks, EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge associated with them, allowing individuals to move forward with greater freedom and flexibility.
• Building self-compassion and acceptance: ACT places emphasis on self-compassion and acceptance, acknowledging and embracing one’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgement. EMDR can support this process by facilitating the reprocessing of memories and experiences that may be associated with self-criticism, shame, or self-blame. By integrating EMDR into ACT therapy, individuals can work towards developing a more compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves.
• Supporting values-driven action: ACT focuses on helping individuals identify their values and take committed action in alignment with those values. EMDR can aid in resolving past traumatic experiences or distressing memories that may hinder individuals from engaging in values-driven actions. By reducing the emotional charge associated with these memories, EMDR can contribute to increased motivation and willingness to take steps towards valued goals.

It’s important to note that the integration of EMDR and ACT should be conducted by therapists who are trained and experienced in both approaches. This allows for a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan that addresses both trauma-related concerns alongside psychological flexibility and values-based living.