What is EMDR?
The name, EMDR, refers to a psychological therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Its founder, Dr Francine Shapiro, discovered by accident that disturbing thoughts she was having seemed to disappear as she moved her eyes in rapid sideways movements. The approach was developed initially as a treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and found great success with veterans of the Vietnam War and survivors of rape. In 2000, EMDR was recognised by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as a treatment for PTSD.
The Northern Ireland Department of Health subgroup, CREST, followed suit in 2003 and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK in subsequent years. EMDR Therapy has also been considered highly effective and supported by research in the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended EMDR Therapy for PTSD in adults and children. See Evidence and Frequent Questions.
There is an extensive body of literature demonstrating that EMDR Therapy can be used with a range of presenting complaints. These current difficulties can be traced back to an event(s) which was emotionally upsetting (i.e. traumatic). See Clinical Applications
EMDR Therapy is an integrative psychotherapy which effects therapeutic change in a short time, compared to other methods and approaches. Therapists report recognising similarities to approaches they are familiar with, but they also observe therapeutic changes not normally achieved with their original approaches. Today, tens of thousands of therapists worldwide have been trained in EMDR Therapy. At EMDR Masterclass, we offer EMDR training to mental health professionals, not only face-to-face but we have already delivered EMDR training to mental health professionals online.
Our Director is an EMDR Europe Accredited Senior Trainer and Consultant. He is also accredited by the EMDR Institute based in California, USA. We regularly provide quality EMDR training for mental
health professionals from different locations through UK and Ireland. Regular trainings are held online. Trainings were run regularly pre-Covid in Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Dublin and Belfast. We can offer in-house trainings and specialist workshops on request. Consultation for existing EMDR therapists is also available.