Eye Movement & Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a recommended approach by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This approach was originally developed (Shapiro) for processing trauma memories (PTSD); symptoms of which include a. re-experiencing (nightmares/flashbacks/recurrent dreaming), b. negative cognitions (‘I should have done something/it’s my fault’), c. arousal (anger/irritation/lack of concentration/feeling jumpy), d. avoidance (reminders of the trauma/certain people/talking about your experiences).
More recently EMDR is being recognised to treat other difficulties (for e.g. depression/anxiety/OCD/performance anxiety/phobias/anxiety/low self-esteem/pain management).
The benefits of EMDR have included
- reduction in trauma memories,
- reduced anger and irritability,
- ability to engage in social/family activities,
- improved self-confidence.
Most importantly clients advise me that
“I/my family have got my old self back; thank you”
