Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.” ― Francine Shapiro
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from traumatic life experiences. When you are exposed to a traumatic event, the memories associated to the adverse life experience remain unprocessed to protect you. These unprocessed/stored memories remain “stuck” in your brain which may be linked to your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is designed to reprocess these memories until the memory becomes less disturbing and replaced with healthy thoughts and beliefs. EMDR Therapy has been extensively researched and known to be one of the most effective forms of treatment for trauma. The American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense recognize EMDR Therapy as an effective treatment method for trauma.
Why Choose EMDR Therapy?
When we are exposed to disturbing events, these experiences can get stuck in our brain and body causing us to live in the present as if we are constantly living in the past. The images, sounds, smells and feelings from the disturbing events can feel as if the past is in our present—as though the threat never really ended. These memories have a lasting negative effect and can interfere with how you see the world and relate to others.
EMDR Therapy helps process traumatic events by incorporating bilateral stimulation to unlock these memories and rewire your brain. This modality helps process the trauma so that your thoughts, emotions and body sensations are no longer bound by the trauma/experience.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Sessions will begin by gathering the client’s history and understanding what they would like to work on. The next phase is to prepare the client by resourcing and going over healthy coping tools as well as understanding the mechanics within EMDR Therapy. For example, identifying which type of bilateral stimulation (BLS) technique works best for you (eye movements with light bar or with hand, tapping with hands, buzzers or tones).
The next phases of EMDR Therapy consist of creating a treatment plan and then moving forward with desensitization and reprocessing phases. The process of this will consist of identifying a target memory while simultaneously focusing on a set of BLS. After each set, the client will share a short snippet of what they experienced (either through pictures, memories, feelings, or body sensations). BLS will continue until the memory no longer feels disturbing. Once the level of disturbance is neutral or none, we will move forward with installing a positive cognitive by also incorporating BLS. Once completed, the therapist will complete what is called a body scan to ensure the trauma is no longer stuck in the body.
Every individual differs based on their needs, traumatic experiences and what the goal is for treatment. There will be constant communication between client and therapist in the event change occurs within the treatment plan.