EMDR, a good solution to discomfort and depression?

EMDR, for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, that is to say desensitization and reprogramming through eye movements, proves its effectiveness in remedying certain discomforts.

Our time is often dominated by notions of efficiency, optimization and concrete, if possible immediate, results. The psychological domain is no exception to the rule: when we are doing badly, we would like get better as quickly as possible. However, very often, psychoanalyses and other psychotherapies take – and we accept this more or less – time. However, there is a technique that gives astonishing results in terms of digesting discomfort and precisely quite quickly. This technique is EMDRpour Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessingthat is to say desensitization and reprogramming by eye movements.

EMDR, or how to heal yourself through the eyes

Before going into details, and as the famous and former journalist Michel Chevalet humorously asked himself at the start of his reports, let us ask ourselves the question: “Unhappiness, depression, post-traumatic memories, how that works ? »

What happens when a memory, a trauma, one or more thoughts destabilize us deep within ourselves, to the point of ruining our daily life, our health and/or our sleep? What to do? “ Well,… we consult a psychologist », « we are prescribed antidepressants “, some will say. Yes and it’s already not bad. But insufficient, because it does not always treat the problem at the root.

The problem is thatin “consulting”, we go through the language ; and, in the brain, the seat of language is the neocortex. In depression or when faced with a traumatic memory, this part of the brain no longer functions effectively, because it is dominated by the emotional part of the brain, the amygdala.

The amygdala is perfect in times of danger : it saves us from thinking in order to prioritize activating all the reflexes and other chemical substances essential to face or escape this danger. Once the danger has passed, it goes into hibernation again.

More if the amygdala continues to work constantly – considering that the danger, the disturbing memory, or the object of discomfort is always present and invades the entire brain constantly -, then the “quiet life” is no longer possible : we are carried away by a torrent of emotions, we are in permanent discomfort. Brief, we are depressed.

All this because the emotional brain, dominated by the amygdala, no longer communicates with the prefrontal brain (neocortex).

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Digestion of emotions and depression using EMDR

EMDR aims precisely to desensitize memories and ideas by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain to digest one’s past, behaviors and negative ideas that one wants to get rid of.

EMDR would offer a shortcut to eliminate deep down the symptoms which come from events of the past not digested by the limbic nervous system (which have therefore not been “digested” psychically). In his time, David Servan-Schreiber had put this technique forward.

It “is about stimulating the brain from right to left and from left to right (by look, voice or even touch) so as to unblock the traumatic event that remains encysted in the depths of the psyche, and reactivate the brain’s natural self-healing system so that it analyzes the information and ‘digests’ it.

And excellent report describes with simplicity and brilliance the functioning of our brain and above all simply explains the operating principle of EMDR, all accompanied by poignant testimonies.

EMDR and psychoanalysis: hand in hand

“EMDR therapy (when carried out well) is much more effective, it goes much further and deeper than psychoanalysis: it activates a natural healing process, which psychoanalysis does not do.” Generally speaking, it should be noted that an EMDR treatment is very similar to CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Limitations of EMDR

On the other hand, ” (…) EMDR therapy does not replace psychoanalytic work in terms of greater long-term self-knowledge. The two forms of therapy are often used together with benefit. “. Hypnotherapy also seems to provide creative and more advanced solutions…

EMDR is difficult to test scientifically, because it is impossible to perform placebo EMDR to compare with an effective EMDR approach. Studies have shown some effectiveness in raped women and Vietnam War veterans. Inserm and the High Authority for Health have also recognized EMDR. However, it is better to avoid it if you suffer from severe psychosis with suicidal thoughts or if you have heart problems.

EMDR, who to contact? Strict framework and directory of certified EMDR practitioners

« To prevent any risk of charlatanism, sect or abusive practice, the European EMDR Association has established very strict criteria which govern the title of Certified EMDR Practitioner. “. Here is the French directory of these EMDR practitioners certified: these were only admitted to EMDR training based on very strict selection criteria.

In addition to their basic training in psychotherapy, these therapists must not only have completed an entire cycle of training and supervision but they are also required to follow continuing training in EMDR.

Don’t hesitate to share your stories with us, and take care of yourself!

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