EMDR (eye movement) therapy: applications and efficacy

This type of eye-based intervention is used for post-traumatic stress disorder.

In recent years, the use of EMDR therapy has become popular in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and other disorders, mainly related to anxiety. It basically consists of moving the eyes to follow the therapist's fingers while remembering a disturbing event; according to its author, Francine Shapiro, this favors emotional processing.

In this article we will discuss the mechanisms of action, the main applications and efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy.. We will especially focus on comparing it with prolonged live exposure, the classic treatment of choice for treating the symptoms of many anxiety disorders.

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is better known by its acronym "EMDR" (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). However, some Spanish-speaking authors refer to EMDR as "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, some Spanish-speaking authors refer to this intervention as "DRMO therapy", adapting the abbreviation to the Spanish language.adapting the abbreviation to Spanish.

This is a relatively recent psychological treatment. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s based on the hypothesis that certain types of eye movements are useful to reduce the emotional intensity provoked by negative thoughts, such as traumatic memories.

The procedure to be followed by psychotherapists when using EMDR consists of moving the fingers in front of the client's face, who in turn has to move his or her fingers in front of the client's face.The client, who in turn has to move his eyes to focus his gaze at all times on the clinician's fingers. In the meantime, it will cause the person being treated to focus on specific mental contents in order to process them.

The EMDR program is structured in eight phases. Each one of them focuses on a different moment in time: the present, the past or the future. The sessions last a maximum of 1 hour and a half and begin with the induction of negative thoughts, but these are progressively replaced by others with a more pleasant emotional tone.

Applications of this intervention.

EMDR therapy is mainly applied in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which appears as a consequence of traumatic experiences.which appears as a consequence of traumatic experiences that endanger one's own life or that of other people. Some of the most relevant risk factors are rape and other physical abuse, war, traffic accidents or threats with weapons.

However, this intervention program has also been used in people with other anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias and anxiety crises, with addictions of different types and with eating disorders.

Several meta-analyses support the use of EMDR for goals similar to those of exposure therapy, as in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the peculiarity of this method, the lack of clarity of its mechanisms, and certain methodological problems in the research of research on the subject have led many practitioners to question it.

What is its mechanism of action?

According to Shapiro herself and her followers, EMDR therapy is effective because the rhythmic eye movements make emotionally charged negative memories less disturbing when both factors operate simultaneously. when both factors operate simultaneously. Therefore, it is an unusual psychological therapy since it is not based on conversation.

Other authors consider EMDR to be nothing more than a type of exposure therapy in the imagination. The efficacy of this type of intervention is somewhat lower than that of live exposure, although it is also more tolerable for clients and can be applied to problems where live exposure is not feasible (e.g., airplane phobia).

Generally speaking, we can state that, whatever the mechanism of action of EMDR, it seems to be an effective treatment. What is not so clear at the moment is whether it is possible to distinguish it from other distinguish it from other procedures based on prolonged exposure to stimuli that generate anxiety or other that generate anxiety or other types of discomfort.

Are you looking for professional assistance through EMDR therapy?

If you live in the area of Madrid and you are interested in attending EMDR therapy, one of the recommended options you can count on is the therapy center El Prado Psychologistswhich has 3 locations in the capital of Spain: Calle de Cervantes nº 9, Calle de Núñez de Balboa nº 42 and Calle de Espalter nº 13. Its team of professionals, formed by psychologists and psychiatrists, has a long experience attending patients, and offers a first session free of charge. Their contact details are available here.

Bibliographical references:

• Schnyder, Ulrich; Cloitre, Marylène (2015-02-14). Evidence Based Treatments for Trauma-Related Psychological Disorders: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. Springer.
• Shapiro, F (1989). "Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories". Journal of Traumatic Stress. 2 (2): 199-223.