What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories.

I was super hesitant of this approach mainly because it was so different from I was used to and taught. I had the opportunity to be trained and it is amazing! It allows for your brain to do what it needs to do to get unstuck and find healing. It is not everyone’s thing and that’s ok (there are others ways to treat trauma) but it you are interested and open to it, let’s do it!

Here’s a simple explanation of how it works:

1. Preparation and History-Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client's history and the issues they want to address. They also explain the EMDR process to the client and establish a sense of safety and trust.

2. Identification of Target Memories: The client identifies specific traumatic memories or disturbing thoughts they want to work on. This could be a particular event, image, or negative belief about themselves.

3. Bilateral Stimulation: During the therapy session, the client focuses on the distressing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This usually involves following the therapist's finger movements with their eyes, but it can also include auditory tones or taps on the hands.

4. Processing the Memory: As the client focuses on the memory and follows the bilateral stimulation, the brain begins to reprocess the memory. This often leads to a reduction in the emotional intensity of the memory and the development of more adaptive beliefs.

5. Desensitization and Installation: The goal is to reduce the emotional charge of the traumatic memory (desensitization) and to reinforce positive beliefs and feelings (installation).

6. Body Scan and Closure: The therapist helps the client check for any residual physical tension or distress related to the memory and guides them in relaxation techniques if needed. The session is closed in a way that ensures the client feels stable and safe.

7. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist checks on the client's progress and continues to address any remaining distress or new memories that have surfaced.

EMDR is believed to work by helping the brain process and integrate traumatic memories more effectively, reducing their impact on the person's emotional well-being. It’s commonly used to treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) but can also be helpful for other conditions.