Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
What is EMDR
EMDR is a therapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It has primarily been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its effectiveness has been increasingly recognized in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including ADHD.
While EMDR's traditional use has been for trauma processing, its principles can be adapted to address the underlying issues associated with ADHD. EMDR involves a structured eight-phase approach that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones). By engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing memories or challenging experiences, EMDR helps individuals reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and changes negative beliefs associated with them.
EMDR offers a holistic approach to addressing trauma, ADHD, and executive function skills by targeting the underlying cognitive and emotional processes that contribute to these challenges. Through a combination of trauma processing, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring, EMDR can help individuals with ADHD achieve greater emotional well-being, improved executive function skills, and enhanced overall quality of life.
how does EMDR help with ADHD
executive function skills
Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility: Executive function skills, such as cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt to changing demands and perspectives), are often impaired in individuals with ADHD. EMDR encourages the development of cognitive flexibility by challenging rigid thought patterns and beliefs through the reprocessing of traumatic memories. As individuals learn to see past events from different perspectives and integrate new information, they can apply these skills to other areas of their lives, including problem-solving and decision-making.
Strengthening Working Memory: Working memory, the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind over short periods, is another executive function skill that can be impacted by ADHD. EMDR involves working memory exercises, such as recalling distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Through repeated practice, individuals can strengthen their working memory capacity, which can have beneficial effects on attention, planning, and organization.
Promoting Goal-Directed Behavior: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with initiating and sustaining goal-directed behavior. EMDR can help individuals clarify their goals and values, identify obstacles to achieving them, and develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles. By addressing underlying trauma and negative beliefs that may hinder progress, EMDR can empower individuals to take meaningful steps towards their goals and aspirations.
Improving Emotional Regulation: Emotional dysregulation is a common feature of both trauma and ADHD. EMDR helps individuals develop greater emotional regulation skills by targeting the negative beliefs and emotions associated with past traumas. By reprocessing these memories and integrating adaptive beliefs and coping strategies, individuals can experience a greater sense of emotional stability and resilience, which in turn can help mitigate the emotional fluctuations often seen in ADHD.
Enhancing Self-Concept and Self-Efficacy: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with feelings of low self-worth and inadequacy, often stemming from repeated experiences of failure, rejection, or criticism. Traumatic experiences can further exacerbate these negative beliefs. EMDR can help individuals challenge and reprocess these beliefs, leading to a more positive self-concept and increased self-efficacy. As individuals develop a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, they may find it easier to manage the challenges associated with ADHD and engage in more adaptive coping strategies.