Recently one of our psychologists, Annabel Battersby, gained certification as an EMDR therapist from Traumaterapiakeskus. In this article she explains what EMDR therapy can offer.
EMDR is a type of therapy which taps into memory processes to alleviate distress and trauma caused by certain memories through exposure and reprocessing. It is most beneficial for specific memories of particular events, such as a specific traumatic event, such as a car accident or assault. The therapy aims to reduce the stress completely, to the point that memories of the event are no longer distressing in any way. This is one of the few therapies available which offer total relief and it is highly recommended for traumatic memories or even PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder).
Another benefit of EMDR is that it taps into memory processes belonging to feelings in the body, muscle memory, sights and other non-verbal memories, meaning that you can do the therapy even if you are not able to explain your experience in words. For this reason it is also beneficial for children. The therapy works by a method called “bilateral stimulation”, which refers to activating each side of the body (left and right sides) by eye movements, or by touch (pressure or vibration) or sounds. Typically eye movements are used most often, which is why the therapy is called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). It was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987 in the US and has spread quickly throughout the world.
The advantages of the therapy are that a person can get complete relief from a traumatic memory even in as little as 3 to 6 sessions. The disadvantage of EMDR therapy is that it doesn’t work towards behaviour change for future behaviour, i.e. there is no cognitive processing component. This is because it is a transformational therapeutic type and not a cognitive, behavioural or analytical therapy style. Many therapists of course do use these techniques with the clients alongside the EMDR therapy, but it may not always be the case, or it may be done before or after the EMDR component of therapy is completed.
If you are interested in EMDR sessions with Annabel, please note that the sessions are 60 minutes long due to the extra length required to conduct the EMDR techniques and they cost 139€ per session (124€ for weekly sessions). You can arrange a session by emailing Annabel directly at annabel@compasspsychology.fi and requesting a free, introductory phone call to discuss making an initial appointment.
Warm regards,
Annabel