Today, we want to share some insights about a powerful therapeutic approach called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR. This method has been making waves for quite some time now in the mental health field for its effectiveness in treating trauma and stress. Let’s dive into what EMDR is, how it works, and why it might be a great option for you or someone you know.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages clients to briefly focus on the trauma memory, image or sensory feeling (like a body sensation) while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (meaning stimulation from one side of the brain to the other, usually through eye movements). This in turn reduces the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. The memory does not disappear, but the client is typically much less likely to have reactions to triggers around the memory of the event. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, and has been extensively researched. The US military and the National Health Organization uses it as the treatment of choice for trauma and other distressing experiences.
How Does EMDR Work?
The process of EMDR involves eight phases: Basically, traumatic/stressful memories are “stuck” in an active state in the brain. Non-traumatic memories are processed by the brain and moved out of this active area where they become something that happened a long time ago, but don’t really bother you. Much of this memory processing happens during REM sleep. The bilateral stimulation with eye movements is thought to mimic this REM stage, but is directed specifically towards targets set up by you and your therapist during early phases of EMDR treatment.
- History Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and develops a treatment plan.
- Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and helps the client develop coping mechanisms.
- Assessment: The client identifies specific memories, and the negative beliefs associated with them, and sets up targets.
- Desensitization: The client focuses on the traumatic memory while following the therapist’s hand movements or other bilateral stimulation to start moving the memory out of the actively distressing experience to a processed memory.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace the negative ones. During bilateral stimulation, the client typically spontaneously has positive beliefs surface, as the brain seeks to heal itself. The therapist often starts with asking what the client would like to believe about the event instead of the negative belief.
- Body Scan: The client is asked to observe their physical response to the memory and the new positive belief. The activation of the nervous system is responsible for fight/flight/freeze responses in trauma and stress (anxiety, panic attacks, anger, depression, dissociation, avoidance, hypervigilance, detachment, etc.). If the body still feels activated during the body scan, the therapist will adjust the target and resume the bilateral stimulation.
- Closure: The therapist ensures the client feels better at the end of each session.
- Reevaluation: Progress is reviewed in subsequent sessions to ensure the positive changes are maintained.
Why is EMDR Effective?
EMDR is effective because it helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. Here are some key points about its effectiveness:
- Research-Backed: Numerous studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions.
- Broad Application: While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it has also been effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health issues.
- Rapid Results: Compared to traditional talk therapy, EMDR often produces results more quickly. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have been struggling with trauma for a long time.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
During an EMDR session, you will work closely with your therapist to target specific memories. The bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) might seem unusual at first, but many clients find it becomes a natural part of the process. The goal is to help you reprocess the traumatic memories, so they no longer hold the same power over you.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be a transformative experience, but it’s not for everyone. It’s important to have a thorough assessment with a trained EMDR therapist to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, or other mental health issues, consider reaching out to Spencer Psychology to learn more about EMDR and other therapeutic options.
Final Thoughts
At our practice, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective care. EMDR is just one of the many tools we use to help our clients heal and thrive. If you’re curious about EMDR or want to explore other treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you on your journey to better mental health.
Stay well and take care!