Psychology
Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Abuse, neglect and a chaotic home raise the odds of illness in adulthood — but an ACE score is not a sentence, and safe relationships change the outcome.
27 Sept 20268 min read
EMDR
Also known as Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: a structured trauma therapy in which you recall distressing memories while doing side-to-side eye movements, so the memories become less intense.
In Psychology
EMDR is a therapy for and other problems rooted in traumatic memories. After a preparation phase, you bring a distressing memory to mind while following a guided side-to-side movement — usually the therapist's hand — or sometimes taps or sounds. Over several sessions the memory tends to lose its emotional charge and feel more like the past.
NICE recommends EMDR for adults with PTSD after non-combat trauma, such as an accident, assault or disaster, when they come for help more than three months after the event. Trauma-focused is the other main option.
Where this comes up
Psychology
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder): symptoms and treatment
Most people shaken by a terrible event recover on their own. When the fear keeps replaying months later, that is PTSD — and trauma-focused therapy works.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Types of talking therapy: CBT, DBT, EMDR and more
What CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic, interpersonal, family and group therapy involve, what each is best evidenced for, and how long each usually takes.
27 Sept 20267 min read
Related terms
- Post-traumatic stress disorderPTSD, Posttraumatic stress disorderA condition that can follow a frightening or life-threatening event, in which the memory keeps intruding, reminders are avoided and the person stays constantly on guard.
- TraumaPsychological trauma, Emotional traumaAn event or series of events frightening or harmful enough to overwhelm a person's ability to cope, and the lasting effects it can leave. Most people exposed to trauma recover.
- FlashbackFlashbacks, RelivingA vivid reliving of a traumatic event, as if it is happening again now — through images, sounds, smells, body sensations or overwhelming emotion. A key sign of PTSD.
- Exposure therapyGraded exposure, Exposure and response preventionA therapy in which you face feared situations, objects, sensations or memories gradually and safely until the fear fades. It is the core treatment for phobias and part of therapy for OCD, panic and PTSD.