Understanding Its Role in Healing and Performance
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps individuals process and heal from distressing memories and traumatic experiences. EMDR actively reprocesses these memories, reducing their emotional charge and reprogramming negative beliefs (Shapiro, 2018). This process relies on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new neural connections. Allowing for long-term psychological change (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017).
The Impact of Unprocessed Memories
Memories, particularly those associated with trauma, shape thoughts, emotions, and behaviour – often outside of conscious awareness (van der Kolk, 2014). When a traumatic event occurs, the brain may struggle to process it properly, leaving the memory in a raw, unprocessed state. Instead of being stored like a typical memory, it remains “stuck,”. Meaning that its associated emotions, bodily sensations, and negative beliefs can continue to influence an individual’s present-day life (Levine, 1997).
For example:
• A person who faced chronic criticism as a child may internalise the belief “I’m not good enough,” affecting self-esteem and relationships (Siegel, 2012).
• Someone in a car accident may continue to feel anxious while driving, even without consciously linking it to the past event (Shapiro, 2018).
These responses are not just psychological but also physiological. Trauma is stored in the nervous system, often manifesting in physical symptoms such as tension, fatigue, or chronic stress (Ogden, Minton, & Pain, 2006).
How EMDR Facilitates Healing & Performance
EMDR follows an eight-phase process. Clients recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation – such as following a moving light, tapping, or listening to alternating sounds. This technique reduces the emotional intensity of memories, enabling people to respond to situations based on the present rather than past trauma (Gunter & Bodner, 2009).
Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA). EMDR is effective for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and emotional distress (Bisson et al., 2007).
Additionally, EMDR can enhance performance in areas like sports and business. EMDR can reduce self-doubt, anxiety, and mental blocks. Ultimately boosting confidence and focus (Faretta, 2013).
By uncovering and reprocessing hidden influences from the past, EMDR offers a powerful, evidence-based path to healing and self-improvement (Shapiro, 2018).
References
Bisson, J. I., Ehlers, A., Matthews, R., Pilling, S., Richards, D., & Turner, S. (2007). Psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190 (2), 97-104.
Faretta, E. (2013). EMDR and performance: A case study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(4), 186-196.
Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2009). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working-memory account. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(8), 913-931.
Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook. Basic Books.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Publications.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. Guilford Press.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.