Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy that helps integrate unprocessed memories that may otherwise be stuck and are causing suffering in the present.
This does not have to be a major traumatic event (although it absolutely can be), but when referring to working with “traumas and traumatic memories,” we are talking about anything that you have experienced that has not been processed or integrated. This therapy helps people heal and have symptom relief for emotional distress.
How does it work?
EMDR is based on the understanding that intrinsically, our brains heal themselves. Sometimes we can experience things that are too overwhelming, and we are able not to integrate them naturally. This is where EMDR comes in.
By using dual-attention/bi-lateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping, light, sound, vibrations), we ignite this adaptive processing of the brain, creating an opportunity to integrate past life experiences in the present time. In EMDR, we have dual attention, one foot in the past, one foot in the present, and the bilateral stimulation assists in building a bridge between the limbic system (emotional response) and the prefrontal cortex (the highest form of thinking/decision-making.) Do you ever feel like you are totally on board with making a behavior change and yet seem to keep doing the same thing over or over despite your desire and longing to change it? This could be a sign that there is something from past left unprocessed. EMDR does not erase memories, it simply supports your own innate ways of integration experiences.
What does an EMDR session look like?
Typically, a therapist will assess your readiness, making sure that you are “resourced” (feeling grounded, present, and relaxed), and you can emotionally tolerate trauma processing protocol. After you are cleared to begin, often, you get to choose the bi-lateral stimulation mechanism of your choice (eye movement, tapping, light, sound, vibration.) In the session, you select a distressing event (past or present) to address. You are guided through the process of evoking images, phrases, emotions, body sensations while experiencing bi-lateral stimulation to support your natural neurological process of integrating experiences through brain and body. EMDR can be used on significant traumas as well as minor disturbances.
This is not talk therapy. This is a subjective experience for the client, and the therapist holds a supportive presence while tracking the micro-movements of the client. The sets of EMDR are about 30-45 seconds each with breaks in between. If you have more specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions.
