EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach that involves using bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories. While it may involve dual awareness in the sense that clients focus on both the traumatic memory and the external stimulus (such as the therapist’s hand movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation), it’s essential to clarify the terminology.
Dual awareness typically refers to the simultaneous awareness of both the present moment and the traumatic memory or disturbing material being processed. In the context of EMDR, the therapist may guide the client to hold in their awareness both the distressing memory and the external bilateral stimulation, such as the movement of the therapist’s fingers or a tapping sensation.
The bilateral stimulation in EMDR is thought to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by promoting adaptive information processing. This processing can lead to the reintegration of distressing memories and a reduction in emotional distress associated with those memories.
It’s important to note that while EMDR has been found effective for many individuals dealing with trauma, its mechanisms of action are not completely understood, and research is ongoing to explore its efficacy and underlying processes.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 