What is EMDR?

 

 

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

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It is an integrative psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 80s. She initially developed it as a treatment for PTSD. As such, its rapid effect and high efficiency has been demonstrated in 20 randomized controlled studies, revealing a 100% remission rate after 6 fifty minute EMDR sessions for single trauma cases and a 77% remission rate for multiple trauma clients. 

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Health organizations such as the WHO World Health Organisation, the Department of Veteran Affairs and the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies recommend EMDR as a first choice treatment for trauma. 

 

More recent studies underline the importance of treating underlying trauma not only in PTSD patients but in individuals with depression, anxiety, addictions or other psychological symptoms. EMDR is thus increasingly recognised as an essential ingredient in high quality psychotherapy or addiction treatment.

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WHY COMBINE EMDR AND ART THERAPY?

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Expressive Arts Therapy, using modalities such as painting, clay, poetry, drama or dancing is not only a highly efficient form of psychotherapy, it is also a powerful source of joy, imagination, creativity, group cohesion and hope, making treatment so much more enjoyable and alive. 

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Furthermore, integrating the arts makes it possible to administer EMDR therapy in groups. Participants use drawings and writing during the EMDR processing, no verbalisation is needed. Instead of eye movements or tapping, group EMDR uses the "butterfly hug", a self-administed form of bilateral stimulation. 

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In 2015, Rosa created her own version of EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapy for groups, which she has led successfully since. In this group work, she integrates dancing, singing, clay, collage, painting alongside the EMDR processing. 

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As a trained mindfulness teacher and advocate for conscious living, Rosa brings mindfulness into every aspect of her work.

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