What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym that stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a therapeutic modality that was created in the late 1980’s by Francine Shapiro. Since it’s founding, EMDR has gained popularity quickly for its effectiveness and ability to treat trauma and other issues there were otherwise treatment resistant. It’s the kind of therapy that goes beyond “talk therapy.”
So how does it work?
EMDR relies on the brains ability to heal itself! EMDR is based in the Adaptive Information Processing model which provides a hypothesis for how we believe trauma impacts the brain. Let me explain. When the brain is exposed to a fearful stimulus, it reacts! The brain sends this information to our amygdala, the almond shaped part of the brain involved in emotional processing. The amygdala then interprets these signals and decides whether to respond in Flight, Fight or Freeze mode. The remaining distress and impact that this event has on the brain often manifests in thoughts, images, emotions and body sensations that can at times be overwhelming and contribute to the feeling that you’re “stuck” in that moment. EMDR helps to create the conditions for the brain to heal and works to help desensitize these factors which lead to the distress.
How long does the treatment take?
This is a difficult question to answer because so many variables impact healing. The more complex the issue, the more time it may take to reach a point of healing. However, this isn’t always the case. I’ve worked with some individuals using EMDR who have experienced relief and healing after a few sessions while others take much longer. Regardless how long healing takes, it’s rewarding for clients to feel relief and notice their growth and progress.
What’s with the eye movement thing?
The “eye movement thing” is called Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) and it’s only one of the different types of BLS that can be used during EMDR. BLS involving the eyes is similar to the eye movement that occurs during REM sleep and it allows us to access the distressing memory and reprocess it on an emotional level until healing is achieved. Other forms of BLS can include the use of sound or touch.
What does the treatment of EMDR look like?
Within the EMDR treatment model, there are 8 phases. Phase 1 includes gathering a thorough history to identify symptoms, triggers, past adverse life events, etc. Phase 2 involves developing a plan of action and exploring which events or issues to target in the treatment. Once this is identified, time is spent developing internal coping mechanisms and resources which will be used throughout the treatment. During the work, it’s important to make sure that client can remain emotionally activated without becoming hyperaroused or hypoaroused. Phase 3 thru 7, involves targeting specific events or memories using BLS to begin the reprocessing portion of EMDR. This is the portion of EMDR where clients spend the majority of their time as it involves working through the stored experiences connected with the targeted memory or event. The goal of this phase is to neutralize the intensity of the triggers or symptoms associated with the target. Phase 8, is where follow up sessions begin and is essentially a review to explore what thoughts, feelings, insights, etc. have arisen since the last session. Often times, clients will then revisit stages 3-7 at this point until the original target is completely neutralized or until no further decrease in intensity of symptoms is occurring. Once these phases are complete and the target is neutralized, some clients see their work as done while others choose to do some future oriented work which can help to establish and seal in new ways of coping or addressing the challenges they may face in life.
Am I a good candidate for EMDR?
Yes, frankly we all are. EMDR isn’t only effective for working with big “T” trauma but also daily stressors and any other maladaptive patterns or behaviors. Think for example back to those distressing memories from high school or childhood. EMDR is a great way of revisiting those memories and clearing out any painful or difficulty emotions that still carry an emotional charge to them. Essentially, EMDR helps to clear the brain, the body and the past of painful memories so that they can be integrated in a healthy way into your internal framework and way of interacting with the world.