EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a research based and effective treatment approach that helps people resolve their psychological distress and helps get them “unstuck” behaviorally and emotionally. It’s been proven very effective in treating Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and numerous other disorders. In EMDR there is no need for detailed descriptions of the traumatic event(s), cognitive challenging of the negative belief or any extended exposure.
EMDR therapy follows an 8-phase therapeutic model using auditory, tactile or eye movement bilateral stimulation (uses both sides of the brain). The purpose of EMDR therapy is to help free the person from the negative effects of the past so the present triggers are desensitized, and the person is able to move forward in a healthier present. The brain is able to heal itself through reprocessing traumatic memories in a more adaptive way which builds new neural pathways.
EMDRIA, the EMDR International Organization released the following video outlining EMDR therapy:
What/Who is EMDR for?
EMDR can be used for anyone interested in healing from symptoms and distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. To put it more simply, it’s for anyone who has had any distressing incidents or memories. A person’s trauma can be any experience that impairing your sense of safety or well-being and creating a negative belief about yourself or the world around you. Trauma is a perceived lack of safety and is often categorized into little Traumas and big Traumas but trauma is more about the negative impact it has on a person instead of the cause. It’s perceived differently for everyone. Symptoms of trauma rather than memories will oftentimes show up in our bodies as shown here on Janina Fisher’s website: https://janinafisher.com/flipchart-1
Traumatic experiences can lead to mood changes such as increased anxiety, sadness, irritability and/or result in behavioral or physical changes. These behavioral changes may include an increase in aggression, self destructive behaviors or an increase in withdrawal/avoidant behaviors. Physical changes may include chronic pain and headaches.
These memories of the disturbing events/traumas can get “stuck”, either in the mind or body, or both and because of this they continue to cause distress in current day to day life and may disrupt current relationships.
How does EMDR work?
First there is an initial screening and history taking session to gather all necessary information. The next few sessions are focused on building up a person’s resources so that they are better able to manage their disturbing symptoms. The therapist and client work together to choose a memory (target) that is most disturbing to them along with identifying the negative thought they have about themselves that makes them feel “stuck”. The client is then asked to notice where they feel this discomfort in their body, e.g. sick stomach, heavy chest, tightening in throat. Bilateral stimulation is then applied while the client focuses on the most disturbing part of the memory or image of the memory.
Bilateral stimulation can include focusing your eyes on the therapist’s fingers as they move back and forth, hence the Eye Movement part of EMDR. It can also be done in numerous other ways that don’t include eye movements such as using “Buzzers” held in each hand as they alternately buzz. Another way is to listen to bilateral music, e.g. listening with headphones as the music or tones alternate from one ear to the other. Alternate tapping on knees, alternately softly squeezing your left arm and then the right as you have your arms crossed in a type of hug and tossing a ball from the right hand to the left can also be used.
As the disturbing memory is processed and becomes less distressing, the therapist helps the client pair this memory with a positive thought about themselves, usually the way the client would rather feel about the “memory”: Although you will always have the memory, the “distress” felt through negative thoughts and uncomfortable body sensations will be gone. This process helps remove the emotional charge from the memory allowing you to think of the memory without the negative sensations. This allows you to think of the event as something that happened to you but not as something that defines you.
These are common experiences for which people may seek out EMDR therapy:
Adults
Physical or Verbal Abuse
Sexual Abuse or Assault
Emotional Neglect
Trauma stemming from medical procedures, major illness/surgery, injury or accident
Disturbing past experiences that continue to cause distress and interfere with your day to day functioning or relationships
Children/Teens
Grief/Loss
Emotional Neglect
Nightmares and/or fears that interfere with sleeping.
Anxiety/Phobias
School Issues/Bullying
Move/Change in School
Sexual/Physical Abuse
Family problems/Divorce/Separation
Trauma stemming from medical procedures, major illness/surgery, injury or accident
Disturbing past experiences that continue to cause distress/behavioral issues that impact day to day functioning in a negative manner.