|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Therapies in detail EMDR EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapeutic procedure that was originated and developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the USA in 1987. It is an evidence-based therapeutic procedure that is widely researched for post-traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Health National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NIHCE) recommends EMDR as one of the most effective, efficient and rapid treatments for PTSD, since 2005. EMDR has been increasingly accepted as a successful treatment for unresolved grief, anxiety and panic disorders, performance anxiety and phobias, in the last 15 years. How does EMDR work? EMDR is a powerful psychological technique, which helps the brain to process trauma and stress. When an individual undergoes stress or trauma, they experience such strong emotions that normal brain functioning or processing is interrupted and the memories of the trauma seem to become "frozen in time". An individual may find they keep going over the event in their mind (flashbacks) or they may have recurring dreams or nightmares about it. EMDR seems to directly influence the way that the brain functions. It helps to ‘file away’ the event in the past so that the person can begin to attend to the present with more clarity and energy. It is based on helping the right side of the brain (concerned with emotions) and the left side of the brain (concerned with rational thinking) communicate more effectively. This is achieved through bilateral brain stimulation, such as eye movements. EMDR appears to mimic what the brain does naturally on a daily basis during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. EMDR can be thought of as an inherently natural therapy, which assists the brain in working through distressing material. In order to replicate REM the client is instructed in how to follow a moving object, usually the therapist’s finger, from side to side, whilst at the same time bringing to mind the trauma or stressful event. The client is encouraged to allow any thoughts or feelings to come to mind. There is no right or wrong, what is important is giving both mind and body the space to come up with any reaction that is needed at that time. The clinician carefully manages the procedure so that any distress, which arises, can be coped with and allowed to pass with the least disturbance. This procedure has been shown to reduce many types of emotional distress. Such distress may be caused by trauma or disturbing experiences, stress and anxiety. EMDR is a preferred option for patients as it is less stressful as than some other treatments. EMDR works safely and rapidly. Following successful EMDR treatment, memories of the event are no longer painful when brought to mind. What happened can still be recalled, but it is less upsetting. Is EMDR effective? Research studies have shown that EMDR can markedly accelerate the healing process after a traumatic experience and that the effects are long lasting. In fact, there are now more scientifically controlled studies on the treatment of post traumatic stress disorders with EMDR than with any other form of psychological treatment. EMDR is now also used for problems other than trauma. EMDR is highly effective, preferred by clients and generally of shorter duration than other treatment methods. In March 2005 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended EMDR as one of the two treatments of choice (the other being trauma-focused CBT, discussed below) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders. Who practices EMDR? Only registered health care professionals, additionally fully trained in EMDR, should practice this form of treatment. In the UK and Ireland, the body overseeing training standards is The EMDR UK and Ireland Association (EMDRUKI) and EMDR Europe (EMDREA). Further details of EMDR are available on: www.emdr.org.uk Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Cognitive therapy is based on the premise that our thoughts affect how we feel. Negative thought patterns may arise due to experiences or traumas that we have gone through many years before and we therefore come to expect negative or distressing experiences to continue. Cognitive therapy helps you firstly to recognise these expectations and secondly to assess how valid they actually are, and thirdly to cultivate different, more useful thought patterns. Our thoughts often happen almost automatically and can sometimes send us into a negative spiral of low mood and dysfunctional behaviour. Once having uncovered your own pattern of thoughts, mood and behaviour, you are then in a position to decide whether you wish to keep reacting in that way. By a process of experimentation you can develop a pattern of thinking which is more helpful rather than a negative spiral. There is a particular branch of cognitive therapy that has been developed to help recovery from trauma. This is called ‘Trauma-Focussed CBT’. Trauma focussed CBT includes specific strategies to help overcome the symptoms of flashbacks and avoidance behaviours that arise after trauma. If you are seeking a CBT therapist to help your recovery it is important that they have done some specific post-qualification training in Trauma Focussed CBT. Cognitive Therapy can help with a wide range of psychological problems including post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and anger. Further details of Cognitive Therapy are available on www.babcp.com EMDR and Play Therapy The techniques used in EMDR are applicable to therapeutic work with children of all ages. However, adaptation of the technique for the various developmental stages of childhood is necessary and assessed by the clinician. The basic principles of non-directive play therapy from Axline’s influencial work are used as a framework in working with children. These principles incorporate the views that each child is unique and to be valued and respected for who they are. A warm and friendly relationship with the child is developed. Permission is given within clear therapeutic boundaries, so that the child is free to express their feelings. The clinician remains alert to feelings that the child expresses and reflects these back in a way that enables the child to gain insight into their own behaviour. Each child is deeply respected for their unique expression and ability to problem solve. The clinician respects each childs own way of processing and is guided by the child’s pace. Some of the ‘tools’ used to enable the therapeutic process are drawn from the work of Val Oaklander, who has added the gestalt therapy approach to the work. The clinician would use age appropriate play through such mediums of art, storytelling, puppets, movement or sand tray work. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is then incorporated within the play in such a way that it is unobtrusive and fun while being extremely effective in reducing the negative affects of trauma. Or adapted according to the age of the child/young person. Locations for EMDR and CBT Therapy EMDR and CBT Therapy, which require regular weekly therapy sessions, is held at our main centre in Hereford. We can also provide EMDR and CBT in a range of locations throughout the Midlands.
|
© Sue Thorogood The Trauma Recovery Centre, Quay House, 3 Quay Street, Hereford, HR1 2NH 07773 041273 Website design and hosting by Archetype Design |