Silmänliikekäytöillä

Silmänliikekäytöillä, known in English as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, is a psychotherapy technique developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is primarily used to alleviate psychological distress associated with traumatic memories. The core of EMDR therapy involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of side-to-side eye movements, but also potentially auditory tones or tactile tapping.

The theory behind EMDR suggests that when traumatic or distressing events occur, the brain's natural information processing system can become overwhelmed. This can lead to the memory being stored in an unprocessed or "frozen" state, retaining the original distressing emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs associated with the event. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess these memories, allowing them to be integrated in a more adaptive way.

During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the patient to focus on a specific distressing memory, including the associated images, thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. While the patient holds this memory in mind, the therapist directs them to follow a moving object with their eyes, or to engage in other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process is repeated in sets, with the patient briefly reporting on their experience between sets. The goal is to reduce the intensity and emotional charge of the distressing memory over time.

EMDR therapy has been studied for its effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, phobias, and depression. While its exact mechanisms are still a subject of research, it is believed to facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic memories, leading to a reduction in symptoms and improved psychological well-being.