In my quest to obtain more information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), I’m hearing a lot of buzz about EMDR. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. From what I understand, it is an eight-stage information processing technique. It appears to be hailed as a particularly effective treatment option for sufferers of PTSD. I only saw a few sites that mentioned use in the treatment of PTSD in children. Therefore, it’s not something I can use to help me here and now with the issues my six-year-old is facing, but rather research for future reference, as well as for reading more about the subject, as it provides more insight into the world of PTSD.

The first phase of treatment involves the potential patient meeting with the practitioner to evaluate their appropriateness for the treatment. They gather background information, identify triggers and the most disturbing visual images related to the trauma, and other assessments.

The next segment of treatment assesses coping mechanisms and support networks. Does the patient have the emotional resources necessary for successful processing? Does s/he have friends and family to rally them during the treatment phase?

The next three phases are related to specific targets (mental image, a physical sensation, negative self-talk), and the positive thoughts or images that will be used to replace them.

The next phase is where the patient focuses on the disturbing image, negative thought, or uncomfortable sensation while visually tracking the therapist’s finger (or another cue such as tapping other audible cue) for short bursts of time. This is repeated for each set of targets, several times throughout the session.

This is fine-tuned over the next session or so. The client also observes and reports feedback on how s/he is integrating this technique in their “real-life” setting.
Many undergoing this therapeutic technique are able to see elimination of some symptoms or vast improvement.
The technique doesn’t work for everyone, thus the beginning sessions wherein the candidate is evaluated.

Though I’m not a clinician, this appears to be a promising technique. One of the mothers in my homeschooling group has undergone the procedure herself, and found it to be incredibly helpful. Coincidental to her mentioning it to me, it became a thread of conversation on one of the online boards I frequent. Both of these incidents led me to research more on the topic and I am presenting to you what I have discovered.

If you would like more information about EMDR, please consult the following resources, in addition to professional guidance from someone qualified to recommend such treatment options:

EMDR Institute

Healthy Place

Help Guide

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