Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been proven
effective for the treatment of trauma, as well as for general psychosocial and emotional challenges. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. It can be utilized in treatment of a variety of conditions, some of which include, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem or not feeling good enough, grief, phobias, stress reduction, addictions, trauma, physical ailments, and a variety of conditions in which the client feels stuck.

How does EMDR work?
When a person is very upset or experiences something difficult, in the moment they may not be able to process the information or fully feel the emotions of the event in order to get through the situation. One moment may become frozen in time, and possibly have lingering effects going forward. The difficult moment, together with the images, sounds, smells, and feelings may be stuffed away. Such memories can have lasting negative effects that interfere with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people. 

EMDR appears to have an effect on the way the brain has processed past information by facilitating an opportunity to be with and move through the stuff that is still lingering. Following a successful EMDR session, the client’s emotional weight from past images, sounds, and feelings about the event is diminished or goes away, with only the basic, uncharged memory of the event remaining. This process can greatly assist in the client’s present difficulties, to ease or release what the client may have been holding.  

Many types of therapy have similar goals, however, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dream or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person move disturbing experiences into something new and less distressing. This gives the client an opportunity to process and move through old events that are still lingering or that affect the present.

What is the actual EMDR session like?

EMDR begins by targeting a present disturbance, theme, or pattern that the client finds difficult or in their way presently. The therapist then guides the client to an earlier, lingering, or past upsetting event that may continue to have an impact on the client’s present pattern of difficulty. The therapist then adds a bilateral alternating stimulation that facilitates both sides of the brain through alternating bilateral eye movements, alternating vibration in each hand through a Tapper, or self alternating bilateral tapping. Only one type of stimulation is utilized, and the therapist and client choose which type of stimulation suits best. The therapist facilitates the client towards an experience of emotions, understanding, and perspectives of an event, as well as other associated events that may come forward. Neither the therapist nor client control the awareness that comes forward, trusting the process. EMDR provides an opportunity for the client to be with what was in the event in present time, move through it, and then into a calmer state as it relates to the event. This assists the client to move into more healthy and useful behaviors and interactions in present time. -EMDRIA © 

In summary, as with many therapeutic processes, the client and therapist work collaboratively as the therapist facilitates the client’s process. EMDR can be utilized with other therapeutic modalities, geared towards the uniqueness of each client. The client is guided with facilitation as they move through their process towards more peace and wellness.

Who can benefit?

EMDR works well with ongoing themes or patterns that an individual is having difficulties with in present time. These are often areas where clients’ report feeling stuck or having difficulties moving past a limiting feeling or behavior in the present time. EMDR can assist with present or past traumas (big or small), or any event that has caused lingering effects.