
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR
EMDR is a specialized therapy approach that focuses on working with trauma.
What EMDR is
Specialized treatment of trauma
EMDR was developed to help process and heal from past traumatic events. This is done by decreasing the memory's intensity and, at times, adapt the interpretation of self. Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered and developed this therapy modality in the late 1980's while on a walk in the park, and noticed the calming effect the back and forth movement of her eyes had while processing distressing past events. In EMDR, this is called bilateral stimulation, which is now known to be related to a specific type of brain processing. This helps move distressing memories from being "stuck" in the brain, which leads to emotional suffering and negative thought patterns, to being "unstuck" and reprocessed to move towards healing.
The Core Concepts
Memory Processing
The modality of EMDR rests on the concept that memories that hold traumatic content are often stored in a way that are not fully processed which causes ongoing emotional and psychological distress. When reminders trigger these unprocessed memories, they resurface along with high amounts of distress.
EMDR addresses this challenge by reprocessing these memories to help them become less distressing through memory reprocessing and desensitization. Memory reprocessing is a way of revisiting these traumatic memories in a safe environment and with bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to allow the brain to do the reprocessing work and desensitize, which is in time reducing the intensity of emotions alongside the memory. This allows revisiting of the memory without being flooded with uncomfortable and overwhelming emotions.
This memory processing aims to integrate past traumatic experiences in a way that no longer negatively impacts the individuals present.
How EMDR Works
Eight Phase Structured Therapy Approach
EMDR's eight phase therapy approach includes:
Phase 1: History Taking: This is gathering information about a client's background, trauma history, and current challenges. It is the base for identifying with the client which memories or situations to focus on in session.
Phase 2: Preparation: This crucial stage focuses on learning coping skills, along with understanding the EMDR process, for the client to feel safe and ready for the therapy work ahead.
Phase 3-6: Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, and Body Scan: Your therapist guides you through each step with bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the identified traumatic memory. The memory is reprocessed and the therapist helps the client replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
Phase 7: Closure: At the end of each session the therapist guides the client to a place of feeling grounded and safe.
Phase 8: Reevaluation: There is ongoing check-ins between client and therapist to assess the progress being made, and the next memories to address.
EMDR is unique in that it does not require a detailed discussion of the past trauma, which can make it a gentler approach for individuals.
Benefits of EMDR
Trauma Processing and More
EMDR is effective in treating traumatic memories, and is especially effective in that objective, but it can also be useful for addressing other mental health concerns. These include:
Trauma recovery for individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Anxiety and Depression: EMDR can help reduce these symptoms by addressing underlying memories and beliefs of self that are related to daily distress.
Self-Esteem: When addressing negative beliefs of self, which are often a result of traumatic experiences, EMDR helps individuals develop healthier, more positive self-perceptions.
Many clients experience noticeable improvements after just a few EMDR sessions.
What to Expect in a Session
Safety and Trust are Paramount
You will be guided each step of the way by the therapist, so trust in that relationship comes first. Here are a few things you can expect:
Focus on a Memory: You will be asked to focus on the specific, identified, traumatic memory, which includes paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment.
Bilateral Stimulation: This can be by following the therapist moving finger with your eyes or feeling a tapping on your knees as you focus on the memory. This helps activate the brain's natural healing process.
Gradual Desensitization: As the memory is processed, the emotional distress related to the memory will decrease over time, along with the guidance and support of the therapist to ensure a sense of safety throughout.
Positive Reprocessing: Once the memory's emotional intensity has decreased, the therapist will guide you through replacing the negative beliefs with positive ones.
Sessions are typically 50-80 minutes in length, and multiple sessions are needed to fully process complex trauma.
Why Choose EMDR?
Effective and Evidence-Based
EMDR is a powerful and effective therapy approach for individuals who have experienced trauma in their past. Here are some additional reasons EMDR therapy might be a good fit for you:
Evidence-Based: EMDR has extensive research over the years that shows its effectiveness in treating trauma, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Non-invasive: EMDR doesn't require clients to talk in detail about their past traumatic experiences, which can help those who have a difficult time talking about what happened and can avoid re-experiencing the trauma.
Healing at the Root: When processing with EMDR, we can get to the root cause of distressing symptoms, which can provide deep, lasting healing rather than simply addressing symptoms.
Versatility: EMDR is not only beneficial for use with PTSD, as it was originally developed for, but also anxiety, depression, phobias, and more.
EMDR can be a life-changing step toward healing from past trauma, which allows you to move forward with greater freedom and resilience.
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