Current research on
Eye Movement
Desensitisation &
Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Robin Logie
Derek Farrell
Melanie Temple
David van den Berg
DCP Oxford 7th Dec 2013
History of EMDR
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Francine Shapiro
1987 – walk in the park
1989 – Journal of Traumatic Stress
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RCT PTSD
Trauma based therapy
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trauma or other unresolved life events that
cause psychological disorders
addresses trauma/life event directly
PTSD obvious starting point – specifically
relates to trauma
Most psychological disorders relate to
trauma/life event
Differs from other trauma
based therapies
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Integrates
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memory/image of ‘worst moment’
current negative cognition eg ‘I’m not safe’
bodily sensation
Combined with bilateral stimulation
Procedure: The 8 phases of EMDR
1.
2.
3.
History-taking
Preparation (eg relaxation, ‘safe place’)
Assessment
Assessment
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Specific image
Current negative belief (Negative Cognition)
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Desired positive belief (Positive Cognition)
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e.g. ‘I am helpless’
e.g. ‘I am in control’
Validity of Cognition (VOC)
Emotion
Current level of disturbance (SUD)
Location of emotion
Procedure: The 8 phases of
EMDR
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2.
3.
4.
5.
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8.
History-taking
Preparation (relaxation, ‘safe place’)
Assessment
Desensitisation
Installation
Body scan
Closure
Re-evaluation
Theoretical rationale
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Adaptive Information Processing (Solomon &
Shapiro 2008)
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Inadequate processing of info re distressing
experiences
EMDR achieves integration
Training & accreditatation
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Europe EMDR Association
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Standardises training courses (7 days)
Accreditation
Further information
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EMDR Association UK & Ireland
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Humanitarian Assistance Programme
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www.emdrassociation.org.uk
www.hapuk.org
Robin Logie
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www.robinlogie.com
info@robinlogie.com
Active ingredients of EMDR
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Eye movements:
interfere with working memory processes
(van den Hout et al, 2011)
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Makes memory less vivid, less emotional
Enhances processing because less overwhelmed
link into the same processes that occur
during REM sleep (Stickgold, 2002)
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EMs induced relaxation and/or orienting response
Which disorders?
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EMDR focuses on trauma
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Any disorder related to trauma
Accident
Bereavement
Survivor of abuse
Trauma may not be initially apparent
Not neuro/organic disorders eg psychosis, manic
depression
EMDR with children
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Simpler than other forms of therapy
Less abreaction
Involves parents
Same as adult protocol
‘minimal creativity’
Simplified as necessary for child
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Alternatives to eye movements
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eg omit cognitions (child < 5)
eg auditory ‘clicks’, hand taps, drumming
Narrative approach
Training
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Need to be fully trained & experienced
therapist before EMDR training
Basic, Part 1:
3 days
Intermediate, Part 2:
1 day
Advanced, Part 3:
3 days
Children:
Levels 1 and 2
Accreditation
Consultant - supervision