EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. The EMDR Association of Australia explains EMDR :
“Often disturbing events happen in our lives that stay with us. The brain cannot process information as it ordinarily does. One moment can become ‘frozen in time’ and remembering the trauma may feel as bad as going through it for the first time. This is because the images, sounds, smells and feelings still seem to be there – they haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way that they relate to other people.
EMDR has a positive effect on how the brain processes information. Following an EMDR session, the person no longer relives the trauma. They still recall that an incident happened, but it no longer feels upsetting.”
(From the EMDRAA website : emdraa.org)
EMDR may be best known for its efficacy with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, however it is also useful for working with Grief and Depression, relationship and communication blocks and setting positive templates for future thoughts and actions.
EMDR and Trauma
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is characterised by an overloaded nervous system which can be activated by the simplest of everyday tasks. This activation sets off distressing emotional and physical alarms in the body. Sleep is no safe haven, when plagued by nightmares. Looping negative thoughts and images, intrude in the mind and avoidance of symptoms leads into corners of isolation where simple pleasures seem impossible to access. The ‘bodymind’ is not the enemy, but it can feel that way. The loss of connection with self and others can lead to feelings of loneliness and separateness.
EMDR can assist in opening the doors to healthy brain processing in a way that facilitates the interpretation of body, emotion, thoughts and sensory experience. Removing the blocks of unprocessed traumatic experience enables the nervous system to recognise that the crisis is over and to move towards balance and holistic well-being.
“EMDR is one of the most researched psychotherapeutic approaches for PTSD. Since 1989 over 20 controlled clinical studies have found EMDR to effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of PTSD for the majority of clients and it is more efficient.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has recently noted EMDR as a Level 1 treatment for PTSD in their recent published results for ‘Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions: A Literature Review’ (2010) for both young people and adults. This is the highest rating that can be applied to a specific therapeutic approach. Additional research has focussed on use of EMDR for Depression and Anxiety and numerous other issues with extremely good results.”
(From the EMDRAA website : emdraa.org)
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help people understand and change long-standing patterns that cause emotional difficulties.
We all develop “schemas” — deeply held beliefs and feelings about ourselves, others, and the world — often shaped by our early life experiences. While some schemas are helpful, others can create unhelpful patterns that keep us stuck, such as feelings of not being good enough, fear of abandonment, or being overly self-critical.
Schema Therapy combines the best aspects of cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment theory, emotion-focused techniques, and mindfulness. It aims to:
- Identify and understand unhelpful schemas and coping styles.
- Develop healthier ways of responding to emotions and relationships.
- Strengthen the “healthy adult” part of you, so you can care for yourself with greater balance and compassion.
Techniques may include talking through patterns, guided imagery, role plays, and practical strategies for daily life. Many clients find Schema Therapy especially useful when they notice the same difficulties repeating across relationships, work, or self-esteem.
