Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR/ДПДГ)

The human brain has an amazing ability to process a variety of experiences, including negative ones. Many have noticed that after a good night's rest, the emotional state improves, and yesterday's problems no longer seem so significant. Neurophysiologists, studying this phenomenon, came to a number of important conclusions.

Human sleep goes through several phases, one of which is characterized by rapid eye movements (REM phase). It is believed that it is during this period that we see dreams and process information received during the day, including complex, negative and traumatic experiences.

If this information processing system fails for some reason, negative experiences can "get stuck" in the neural networks of the brain. Over time, this can lead to psychological problems: increased anxiety, obsessive thoughts, unpleasant physical sensations, which together can form a neurotic state.

The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) method is aimed at activating the natural mechanisms of information processing in the brain. The essence of the method is as follows: under the guidance of a psychotherapist, the client performs a process similar to what happens during the REM phase of sleep.


What is the EMDR method?

The essence of the method is that the patient recalls a traumatic event, while simultaneously following a moving object with his eyes (usually the therapist's finger). It is assumed that bilateral stimulation of the brain helps to "process" traumatic memories.

The goal of the method is to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and change the negative beliefs associated with them. The procedure begins by identifying early traumatic memories that may be the source of current problems. The client is then asked to focus on this memory while simultaneously following the therapist's hand movements with their eyes. This process mimics the eye movements during sleep, which helps to involve different parts of the brain in processing traumatic information.

As a result, painful memories gradually lose their emotional intensity. They begin to be perceived differently, becoming part of the lived experience rather than an immediate threat. This helps reduce anxiety and other negative reactions to previously traumatic stimuli.

EMDR has a number of advantages:

• high efficiency
• corresponds to natural brain processes
• relatively fast implementation
• fast correction of disorders
• the ability to integrate with other psychotherapeutic methods

However, the method also has limitations. EMDR is rarely used as the only method of treating anxiety-depressive and other disorders. It is rather a tool that helps alleviate symptoms. Although reducing anxiety is important, deep processing of the root causes of the problem or trauma is no less important. Therefore, EMDR is usually used as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach.