EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach to therapy developed in the late 1980s by clinical psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro. It is used within Counselling, Coaching etc, to accelerate the clients processing of traumatic, trapped memories, consequently shift associated behavioural patterns. EMDR is influenced by the humanistic approach of client-centred therapy, which assumes humans have a natural capacity towards growth and to integrate experiences. Theoretically it is the capacity for change, alongside certain therapeutic attitudes that are key characteristics of this method. However, unlike a client, or person-centred approach, this method is directive, meaning whilst working through the protocol, you are led by the therapist, in order to complete the specific eight phases which includes the activation of the trauma.
Shapiro considers humans to have an adaptive information processing (AIP) system; whereby memories are stored with interlinked networks, organised around the earliest event of a particular category, including the associations of this event. When experiences have not been processed due to an overwhelm of the brains alarm system, it can lead to reactions that can cause further distress, as well as reduced functioning, and accompanying unhealthy behaviours of coping. EMDR facilitates the exploration and processing of negative and distressing memories in order to bring where is stuck into a resolution as such more parts of you can be in flow.
