EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy used to relieve psychological and emotional distress. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy is now recognized as an effective form of trauma treatment in numerous practice guidelines and psychological association worldwide.
EMDR was first made to help people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a condition that can happen when someone has gone through a very scary or distressing event. However, the benefits of EMDR extend beyond treating PTSD. It has been found beneficial for individuals dealing with a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, such as depression, anxiety, grief, addictions, developmental trauma, among other conditions.
How does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue, or 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 process.
The therapy includes eight phases and the client attends multiple sessions. During EMDR treatment, the therapist will work with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event.
The therapist then facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content.
These sessions continue until the distress is eliminated or reduced as much as possible.
How can EMDR Support?
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. This includes traumatic events like car accidents, natural disasters, or violent incidents, but it can also be used for a variety of other mental health issues.
This type of therapy can support individuals by allowing them to process traumatic and painful experiences in a safe and structured way, aiming to reduce distress in the shortest period of time.
EMDR can also be effective in treating anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and other psychological stress-related issues. By addressing past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, EMDR helps individuals develop the skills and attitudes necessary for positive life change.
EMDR therapy shows that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes.
Why EMDR Therapy?
We might not always be thinking about past traumatic experiences, but they can leave imprints that show up as negative beliefs, unsettling body sensations, uncomfortable feelings, and unhealthy relationship patterns. . A moment of trauma can feel frozen in time, as though we’re stuck in that very moment. The sights, sounds, smells, and emotions can feel as real as if it’s happening right now, keeping us in a state of constant alert. These persistent memories can negatively influence how we see the world and interact with others. They can also disrupt our ability to live fully in the present, establish trusting relationships, focus at work, complete everyday tasks, and take care of ourselves.
The way the right and left parts of the brain process information is different. The left logical part of the brain knows that “you are good enough”, “safe enough”, “smart enough”. However, the right part of the brain that holds the trauma brings up feelings of being, “different”, “not safe”, or “inadequate”. EMDR works by helping your brain to bridge the gap between what you know and what you feel, enabling you to process past experiences and start the healing process.
EMDR has a powerful effect on the brain’s information processing capabilities. It helps you to release old wounds. After an EMDR session, you may notice that you’re no longer haunted by traumatic memories. You’ll still remember that the event occurred, but it won’t continue to upset you or hinder your pursuit of a fulfilling life.”
What to Learn More?
If you would like to know more about EMDR therapy please watch this video courtsey of EMDR International Association.
If you would like more information, studies and references, please visit their website for more details.