EMDR is an extensively researched and effective trauma intervention that can be an efficient and rapid treatment for PTSD and other trauma and stressor disorders.

Developed by Shapiro, EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model that addresses traumatic memories through techniques that involve distancing, desensitization, and positive cognitive shifts. This is done by using bilateral stimulation (BLS) (such as eye movements, tapping, butterfly hugs, etc.) that tax the working memory and access adaptive memory networks.

EMDR is used to treat Simple Trauma (single event) and Complex Trauma (extended traumatic events) that may result in: depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, anger, panic attacks, and other post-traumatic reactions.

EMDR is suitable for children, adolescents, and adults, however, suitability for the intervention is assessed by the therapist before sessions are offered.

EMDR treatment involves the following eight phases:

• Client History and assessment

• Procedural Preparation

• Target assessment

• Desensitisation

• Integration

• Body Scan

• Closure

• Re-Evaluation

The length of treatment varies with each client.

Approximate length of session 60-90 mins.

The benefit of an integrated approach:

Art therapy and EMDR are body-mind interventions that augment each other. EMDR promotes mindfulness and encourages clients to experience what’s going on in their body just like the art-making process supports somatic experiencing, creativity, and imagination in a gentle and fun way.

Artmaking taps into the visual, emotional, intuitive, sensory, and kinesthetic areas of the brain complementing EMDR therapy which targets memories that are multi-sensory in nature.

The goal of both interventions is to create a bridge between the emotional brain (limbic system) and the cognitive brain (pre-frontal cortex) to achieve integration, healing, and resolution. Thus, integrated art therapy and the EMDR approach can be a powerful and effective way of addressing trauma and post-traumatic symptoms.