EMDR: A therapeutic approach to trauma processing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a technique developed in the United States in 1987 by psychologist Francine Shapiro. The discovery came about by chance when Shapiro noticed that certain eye movements reduced the intensity of negative emotions associated with a stressful memory. From this insight, she developed a structured technique that is based on the processing of traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tactile or auditory stimulation). is a therapeutic technique that is revolutionising the treatment of trauma and psychological disorders related to difficult experiences. Thanks to its proven effectiveness, this methodology is now used worldwide by specialised therapists to help people process painful memories and regain emotional balance.
Efficacy studies on EMDR
Research has shown that EMDR is highly effective in treating various psychological conditions, especially those related to trauma. Numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that:
EMDR has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 2013 as the treatment of choice for PTSD.
The American Psychological Association (APA) includes it among evidence-based therapies for trauma disorders.
In some cases, it has been shown that EMDR therapy can lead to significant improvements in just 6-12 sessions for specific traumatic events.
Recent studies have also begun to explore the effectiveness of EMDR for other issues, such as anxiety disorders, specific phobias, depression and chronic pain.
The effectiveness of EMDR is based on its ability to work in depth on unprocessed memories, which often underlie psychological symptoms.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which views trauma as an event stored in memory in a dysfunctional way, with emotions, thoughts and physical sensations remaining ‘frozen’ in neural networks. This prevents the brain from properly processing and integrating the experience.
Through a structured protocol, the therapist guides the patient to:
Focus on the traumatic memory (images, emotions, sensations).
Use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, alternating touches or sounds).
Reprocess the memory, reducing the emotional intensity and physical reactions related to the trauma.
At the end of treatment, the memory of the event remains in the memory, but is integrated into a more adaptive emotional and cognitive pattern.
Benefits of EMDR
Reduction of trauma-related emotional suffering.
Restructuring of negative beliefs about oneself.
Decreased physiological symptoms (e.g. hyperarousal).
Increased emotional control even in stressful situations.
After EMDR, patients often report that the trauma becomes a ‘distant memory’ and no longer emotionally disturbing.
Ambiti di applicazione
L’EMDR può essere utilizzato per il trattamento di:
Dolore cronico e stress psicofisico.
Disturbo da Stress Post-Traumatico (PTSD).
Ansia, attacchi di panico e fobie.
Depressione associata a esperienze difficili.
Traumi relazionali o ripetuti nel tempo (traumi cumulativi)
Quando Cercare il Supporto di un Professionista EMDR?
Se ti trovi a rivivere ricordi dolorosi che interferiscono con la tua vita quotidiana, o se senti che il peso di un trauma passato continua a condizionarti, l’EMDR potrebbe essere una strada efficace per il tuo benessere.
Conclusione
L’EMDR offre una possibilità concreta di affrontare le esperienze traumatiche e i ricordi difficili. Se senti che è il momento di affrontare il tuo passato e di liberarti dai blocchi emotivi, non esitare a contattarmi. Insieme, possiamo lavorare per restituire serenità e benessere alla tua vita.