EMDR

Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic technique that was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D to address trauma response and emotional reactions in the body.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy designed to help people heal from past traumatic experiences or deeply upsetting memories. It’s different from traditional talk therapy because, instead of just discussing the issues, EMDR uses specific techniques, like guided eye movements or tapping, to help your brain process those memories in a new way.

When we go through something really stressful or traumatic, the brain can get stuck on that experience, causing ongoing distress. EMDR helps "unstick" those memories, allowing the brain to process them more healthily, so they don't feel as intense or disruptive anymore. Many people find that EMDR helps them feel less overwhelmed by past events and more at peace in their daily life. It’s often used for trauma but can also be helpful for anxiety, phobias, and other emotional challenges.

EMDR can be helpful for children and adults to address the following issues and concerns:

Anxiety
Car accidents or fear around driving
Depression
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem, performance anxiety, and lack of confidence
Panic attacks and phobias
PTSD, traumatic experiences, and other stress-related issues
Rejection or emotional abuse
Sexual assault
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse

How EMDR Works

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing experiences.

Here’s a general overview of how it works:

1. Preparation: In the initial phases, the therapist works with the client to understand the specific issues and traumatic memories that need addressing. They also prepare the client by teaching relaxation techniques and establishing a sense of safety.

2. Desensitization: During the core phase of EMDR, the therapist guides the client to focus on a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, sounds, or taps. This process is thought to help the brain process the memory more effectively.

3. Reprocessing: As the client focuses on the memory and the bilateral stimulation, the distress associated with the memory often diminishes. The client may also develop new, more adaptive beliefs about the experience. This phase aims to reprocess the memory so that it no longer triggers significant emotional distress.

4. Installation: The therapist helps the client replace negative beliefs related to the traumatic memory with more positive, adaptive ones. This involves reinforcing new, healthier beliefs that the client wants to integrate into their self-perception.

5. Body Sensations: The client is guided to notice any physical sensations or residual tension associated with the memory. This step ensures that any lingering physical discomfort is addressed and processed.

6. Closure: The session ends with the therapist helping the client return to a state of equilibrium. This includes practicing relaxation techniques and ensuring that the client feels stable before leaving the session.

7. Re-evaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist assesses the progress made and determines if further processing is needed. The client’s emotional responses and any new insights are reviewed to ensure the memory and related issues are effectively resolved.

Overall, EMDR aims to help individuals process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, allowing the person to move forward with greater emotional resilience and well-being.