Let's Learn about EMDR!

Trauma can leave continuous impacts on mental health, affecting your ability to function throughout your day-to-day life. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is used to heal these long-lasting impacts more quickly and effectively.

Why was EMDR created?

EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 to aid in the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Unlike traditional talk therapy, with EMDR you engage in bilateral stimulation, this could be through eye movements, tapping, or sounds. Some clients feel relief after a session, and some might leave feeling emotionally and physically drained. Both reactions are valid and part of the healing process.

Why does bilateral stimulation help with trauma?

• REM Sleep and Memory Processing: During sleep, the brain is highly active, processing and consolidating memories, emotions, and experiences. This sleep phase is thought to help integrate and make sense of distressing or significant events, allowing for emotional processing and storage of memories. Bilateral Stimulation in EMDR therapy is believed to mimic the natural eye movements that occur during REM sleep, activating similar brain mechanisms involved in memory processing and emotional regulation.

  
  

• Enhanced Information Processing: Bilateral stimulation, such as alternating eye movements, taps, or sounds, helps activate both hemispheres of the brain. The left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate better, helping resolve traumatic memories more effectively.

  
  

• Grounding and Calming: Bilateral stimulation helps to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories. The rhythmic nature of bilateral stimulation can act as a grounding or calming technique, which allows individuals to confront and process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed by intense emotions. It helps create a sense of safety and emotional regulation during the reprocessing phase.

What are the different phases of EMDR?

1. History Taking: The therapist will gather information about the client's history and will identify target memories for processing.

2. Preparation: The therapist will explain the EMDR process to the client to ensure that they have proper coping strategies in place.

3. Assessment: The therapist will identify specific memories and the associated negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations that come with them.

4. Desensitization: The client will focus on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, sounds, or a combination.)

5. Installation: Positive beliefs are instilled to replace the negative ones tied to the trauma.

6. Body Scan: The client will scan their body to identify any residual tension or discomfort related to the trauma.

7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client feels stable and grounded before leaving the session.

8. Reevaluation: After numerous sessions, the therapist will evaluate the progress made and determine if further processing is necessary.

It is time to explore the transformative power of EMDR. If you feel that you might be struggling with trauma or memories that carry an emotional charge, this therapeutic technique can help you process and move past the challenges that might be holding you back. Reach out to one of our EMDR-trained therapists to receive the support you need to progress towards a brighter future.