EMDR Therapy
“I feel like a veil has been in front of me for years that I didn’t understand it before”.
Many clients have similar reactions after completing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
EMDR is a commonly used but not well-understood approach for treating trauma-related conditions and disturbing life experiences. It has evolved into a well-researched therapeutic approach, demonstrating its effectiveness not only with trauma and PTSD but also with other mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, addiction, and sleep disorders.
How does EMDR help process trauma?
During a traumatic event, the parts of our brain that get physically and emotionally activated (the amygdala and hippocampus) go into hyperdrive. The amygdala is where we experience emotional and fearful memories, while the hippocampus regulates short-term memory processes. This hyperarousal state prevents the rational part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) from functioning effectively, leading to fragmented memories. EMDR aims to synchronize these brain regions using bilateral stimulation, which can help process traumatic memories and release emotional experiences trapped in the nervous system. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment or of being "frozen in time." EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved. EMDR operates on the premise that previous experiences could be affecting your present emotions, sensations, and self-perceptions. It employs techniques like rapid eye movements or tapping to divert your attention while briefly revisiting distressing memories. This helps reduce the intensity of negative thoughts and sensations while promoting positive, adaptive feelings and beliefs about oneself. EMDR is believed to enhance your brain and nervous system's natural healing abilities by accessing neural processes.
How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing processes. The therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.
What are the 8 stages of EMDR therapy?
These eight stages serve as a roadmap for therapists to guide clients over multiple sessions:
Patient history and treatment planning.
Preparation.
Assessment.
Desensitization.
Installation.
Body scan.
Closure.
Reevaluation.
Clients may initially experience intense emotions and physical sensations during EMDR therapy as they bring awareness to disturbing experiences. As bilateral stimulation continues, the heaviness is released, leading to a spontaneous release of emotions, and reduced visceral reactions.
EMDR duration varies; some individuals experience improvement in a few sessions, while others may need more time. It provides swift relief from recent stressors and addresses the long-lasting effects of complex or developmental trauma. I am certified by the EMDR International Association and skilled in delivering this effective therapy.
