EMDR offers new hope for many people who have experienced trauma. A recent development in the Cognitive Behavioural treatment of trauma means that people who have suffered for years from distressing memories, nightmares, abuse or other traumatic events can often gain relief from this rapid information processing intervention discovered 16 years ago.
EMDR represents a valuable addition to the Cognitive Therapist’s armamentarium of techniques, helping people with a wide range of emotional disorders. Research shows that it is fast, safe and effective and does not involve the use of drugs, or hypnosis. When used as an adjunct to Cognitive Therapy EMDR processing can often be helpful in changing the meaning of early, painful memories, which have resulted in negative core beliefs and Early Maladaptive Schemas – events in our lives which when recalled trigger negative emotions, sensations and beliefs. These memories can be referred to in Cognitive terms as ‘hot spots’ or in Gestalt terms ‘unfinished business’.