EMDR Therapy Overview

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy allows the brain to resume its natural healing process and offers a way to relieve distressing symptoms. This therapy modality has been extensively researched and is shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety other mental health disorders and concerns. 

Because of the way traumatic memories are stored in our brain  these memories can become “stuck”, which can result in high levels of anxiety, fear, and distress. Traumatic experiences can sometimes be managed and resolved spontaneously, however sometimes given intensity of circumstances it can not be effectively processed without assistance.

EMDR is popular for many reasons. Most clients complete EMDR therapy in fewer sessions than other forms of therapy. The therapy will focus on changing belief systems, emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue vs having to go over in detail the past traumatic event.

The Nuts & Boldts of EMDR

EMDR is an 8 phased treatment protocol 

1 Treatment Planning and History Taking-Identifying past memories fueling triggers

2 Preparation-Building safety and resources

3 Assessment- Defining targets, negative cognitions, emotions, and body sensations

4 Desensitization- Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) with Eye movements, tapping, or other alternatives to reduce distress

5 Instillation- Strengthening new Positive Cognition

6 Body Scan- Clearing any residual somatic disturbance

7 Closure- Restoring stability

8 Reevaluation- Review progress and next steps

Example:

The specific traumatic memory (target) is identified. During processing the client chooses a target and identifies a Negative cognition (NC) (e.g., “I’m powerless”) and identifies a Positive Cognition (PC) they would like to believe instead (e.g., “I am in control”). Then, through use of Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while the client focuses on the memory. Through Bilateral stimulation it helps reinforce this adaptive belief and resolve the visceral activation and trigger of the fight, flight or freeze. It is important to note, memories don’t go away but the narrative surrounding the memory is able to change allowing for healing and the activation in our body can change.

This unique therapy modality can help create and establish long lasting and meaningful change.

If you've been curious about trying EMDR therapy reach out today for a free consultation!

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Want more? watch and Introduction to EMDR

Introduction to EMDR

Van der Kolk, B.A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M.E., Hopper, J.W., Hopper, E.K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W.B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1)

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.