emdr - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
EMDR - How it works
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a extremely effective psychotherapy approach that has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other psychological disorders. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has evolved into a well-established therapeutic technique utilized by mental health professionals worldwide.
The effectiveness of EMDR lies in its unique ability to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences in a safe and structured manner, leading to significant symptom reduction and emotional healing. The core principle of EMDR is based on the notion that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain's memory networks, causing ongoing psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors. Through a series of standardized procedures, EMDR aims to facilitate the reprocessing of these traumatic memories, allowing the individual to integrate them into their overall memory network in a more adaptive and less distressing way.
So, how does EMDR work? The therapy typically involves therapy sessions with each designed to address different aspects of the individual's experience:
History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist conducts an initial assessment to gather information about the individual's history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. Based on this information, a treatment plan is developed, outlining the specific memories or issues to target during EMDR therapy.
Assessment: The individual is asked to identify a specific target memory or issue to focus on during the session. This could be a traumatic event, a distressing memory, or a negative belief about oneself. The therapist helps the individual explore the associated thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations related to the target.
Desensitization: This phase involves the core technique of EMDR, where the individual recalls the target memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can take various forms, such as following the therapist's finger movements with their eyes, listening to alternating tones, or tactile stimulation (e.g., tapping). This bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the processing of the traumatic memory, allowing it to be reprocessed and integrated more adaptively.
Installation: Once the distress associated with the target memory has been significantly reduced, the individual is guided to strengthen positive beliefs and emotions to replace the negative ones associated with the memory. This phase aims to enhance feelings of empowerment, self-worth, and resilience.
Body Scan and Closure: The therapist helps the individual check in with their body to ensure that there are no residual feelings of distress or tension. Any remaining distress is targeted for further processing in subsequent sessions. The session concludes with relaxation techniques to promote a sense of closure and emotional stability.
Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and individual revisit the targeted memories to assess progress and address any new material that may emerge during the reprocessing.
In our experience, EMDR is an art form. Yes, it is based in science and neuroscience, but it works nearly every single time. However, the therapist MUST be good at it and use it effectively. Just as everyone who attends culinary school, that does not mean they can cook or bake good. Having experience and adapting the EMDR technique to you is a vital part of the healing process.
The effectiveness of EMDR is supported by numerous empirical studies demonstrating its efficacy in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. The bilateral stimulation used in the therapy helps facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic memories, leading to symptom reduction and emotional healing.
Overall, EMDR offers a structured and evidence-based approach to trauma therapy, providing individuals with a powerful tool for overcoming psychological distress and reclaiming their lives.