Eye movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Difficult life events that remain unresolved can be stored deep within the brain and negatively impact our lives. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective psychotherapy treatment used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy helps clients reprocess these difficult memories with the goal of bringing relief to present symptoms they are experiencing. Through EMDR, new associations are created between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories. This results in new learning, the elimination of emotional distress, and the development of cognitive insights. EMDR is thought to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM sleep and it has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information.
In an EMDR session, a specific problem or trauma is often the focus. The client calls to mind what was seen, felt, and heard, as well as the thoughts and beliefs about that event. While the client focuses on the traumatic event, the therapist facilitates bilateral stimulation through means such as guided eye movements, audio, or tactile sensors in the palms of a client’s hand. The client maintains “dual attention” by being present to their current surroundings while also recalling the memory. The client may experience intense emotion during the recalling of a disturbing memory, but the response is usually lessened by the end of the session. It is important to note that EMDR does not put clients into trances or hypnotic states. While the therapist leads the process, the client is always in control.
There are eight phases to EMDR therapy sessions including history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The number of sessions depends on the client and the complexity of their trauma. A single incident of trauma can be processed within three to four sessions, but the majority of issues are compounded and require more. Many people start to notice improvements within a few sessions with long term results emerging as therapy progresses. An average estimate for the duration of EMDR therapy is six months.
EMDR is an empirically supported treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple controlled studies have found EMDR to decrease or eliminate trauma symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance. EMDR is also being used to treat depression, anxiety, phobias, and eating disorders. If you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, EMDR may be a powerful tool in your healing journey. For more information about EMDR, visit the EMDR Institute, Inc.
If you are wondering if EMDR is right for you, contact one of our EMDR therapists:
Amanda Cook
Kristen Hawkins
Elisa Horning
Debbie Klaver
Carrie Windett