EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR focuses on how your brain processes memories. When traumatic events occur, various components of the experience (visuals, sounds, sensations, emotions, etc.) can become "stuck" in your brain. This can make you feel like the traumatic event is happening all over again whenever you encounter similar sights, sounds, or situations. EMDR helps to "unstick" these memories, allowing your brain to process them so that they become ordinary memories of past events, to be remembered rather than relived. This therapy uses bilateral stimulation, often in the form of eye movements, to facilitate this reprocessing.

How EMDR Works

During an EMDR session, you'll work with your therapist to recall a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following a moving light with your eyes. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity of the memory and allows you to reframe it in a more positive way.

It’s crucial that EMDR is conducted within a trauma-informed framework. This means before addressing traumatic memories, you'll work with your therapist to develop skills for emotional regulation, grounding techniques, and creating a safe internal space. This preparation phase ensures you're ready and feel secure before beginning the process of reprocessing traumatic memories.

Example of EMDR in Action

For example, if you have a traumatic memory from a car accident, EMDR would involve bringing this memory to mind while your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation. As you do this, the intense emotions and negative beliefs associated with the memory, such as "I am unsafe," begin to lessen. Over time, you can reprocess the memory and develop a more balanced perspective, such as "It was a terrible experience, but I am safe now."

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals dealing with:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Chronic pain

• Stress related to disturbing life events

Treatment Duration

Research suggests that significant improvements can often be achieved in 8-12 sessions, depending on individual needs and the complexity of the issues being addressed.

Conclusion 

If you're seeking a therapy to help you move beyond traumatic experiences and emotional pain, EMDR may be the right choice for you. This evidence-based method has proven effective in helping many people achieve significant relief from their symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives.