Eyes – The Windows to the Soul…

Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) is a brief therapy that utilises simple eye movements and questioning techniques to change a particular thought pattern that may be problematic for you.

IEMT techniques help to create change by rapidly reducing unwanted feelings to help you to resolve issues. Moving our eyes in certain ways appears to link to the part of the brain that stores our memories and emotions. This can lead to rapid release and relief.

IEMT can also show you why you may repeat unwanted behaviours and how to deal with this without the need for digging into the past.

Unlike many psychological therapeutic processes, IEMT does not require you to disclose lots of details about your experience or give details about troublesome events. It is in effect a “secret therapy”. Disclosure is not required and your secrets remain secret.

Is IEMT the same as EMDR?

No. Both models use eye movements but in practice that is where the similarity ends.

EMDR is a model used mainly by licenced medical professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists. IEMT can be used by anyone trained in the model.

IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy)

Is a model built around addressing and resolving The 5 Patterns of Chronicity
Has applications in resolving PTSD
Traumatic imagery is largely irrelevant to the process
Addresses imprints of emotion for creating kinaesthetic change
Addresses imprints of identity for creating change in self concept
Uses eye movement as the dominant mechanism for change
By design readily creates introspection and an alpha state with free floating imagery
Prior qualification is not necessary for training in IEMT
Developed from an original idea from Steve and Connirae Andreas by Andrew T. Austin

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

Is a model built around resolving trauma
Is an application for resolving PTSD
Traumatic imagery is central to the work and the client is encouraged to “observe” trauma
Uses eye movement as well as tapping and alternating sounds
Utilises affirmations and positive belief statements
Only psychologists and medical professionals can be officially certified in EMDR
Developed from an original idea from John Grinder by Francine Shapiro

From Wikipedia:

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro that emphasizes the role of distressing memories in some mental health disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).^[1] It is an evidence-based therapy used to help with the symptoms of PTSD.^[2][3] It is thought that when a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, it may overwhelm normal coping mechanisms. The memory and associated stimuli are inadequately processed and stored in an isolated memory network.^[1]

EMDR therapy is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in chronic PTSD.^[4][5] However, after decades of research, controversy persists as to whether the novel eye movement element is an active ingredient in improved patient outcomes.^{[citation needed]}

The goal of EMDR is to reduce the long-lasting effects of distressing memories by engaging the brain’s natural adaptive information processing mechanisms, thereby relieving present symptoms. The therapy uses an eight-phase approach that includes having the patient recall distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side to side eye movements.^[6] EMDR was originally developed to treat adults with PTSD; however, it is also used to treat trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents.^[7]