What is the original principal physical technique used by EMDR therapists?

The original principal physical technique used by EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapists is rapid hand movements, known as saccades. This technique involves guiding a client’s eye movements back and forth while they recall traumatic memories, which is believed to facilitate the processing of those memories. The bilateral stimulation created by following the therapist's hand movements aids in reducing the emotional charge associated with traumatic experiences, helping clients to reprocess and integrate these memories in a less distressing way.

The significance of saccades lies in their theoretical underpinning, where they mimic the natural process that occurs during REM sleep, which is critical for processing memories. By incorporating this physical element, EMDR therapy distinctively combination of visual, auditory, or tactile stimulation along with cognitive processing, providing a comprehensive approach to trauma treatment that is different from other techniques such as verbal reassurances or guided imagery.