EMDR (eye movements) therapy: applications and efficacy

In recent years, the use of EMDR therapy has become popular in cases of post-traumatic stress 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 talk about the mechanisms of action, the main applications and efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. We will pay particular attention to comparing it with prolonged live exposure, the classic treatment of choice for treating the symptoms of many anxiety disorders.

• Related article: "Types of psychological therapies"

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is better known by its acronym in English, “EMDR” (“Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing”). Nevertheless, some Spanish-speaking authors refer to this intervention as “EMDR therapy”, adapting the abbreviation to Spanish.

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

The procedure for psychotherapists to follow when using EMDR consists of moving the fingers in front of the client's face, which in turn has to move the eyes to focus the gaze at all times on the fingers of the clinician. Meanwhile, this will make the person you are treating focus on specific mental contents in order to process them.

The EMDR program is structured in eight phases. Each 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.

• You may be interested: "Types of stress and their triggers"

Applications of this intervention

EMDR therapy is mostly applied in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, 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 panic attacks, with addictions of different types and disorders of the feeding.

Several meta-analyzes support the use of EMDR for purposes similar to those of exposure therapy, such as in the case of the post traumatic stress disorder. However, the peculiarity of this method, the lack of clarity of its mechanisms and certain methodological problems of the investigations on the matter make that many professionals question it.

What is your mecanism of action?

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

Other authors consider that EMDR is 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 they are also more tolerable for clients and can be applied in problems where live exposure is not feasible (e.g. phobia of going By plane).

In a general way, we can affirm 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 distinguish it from other procedures based on prolonged exposure to stimuli that generate anxiety or other discomfort.

Looking for professional assistance through EMDR therapy?

If you live in the Madrid area and you are interested in going to EMDR therapy, one of the recommended options that you can count on is the therapy center El Prado Psychologists, which 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, made up of psychologists and psychiatrists, has a long history caring for patients, and offers a free first session. Your contact details are available here.

Bibliographic 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.