What is EMDR Therapy? Discovering a Path to Healing Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based psychotherapy method that was first studied and utilized as a therapy for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) . According to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) EMDR is now highly utilized to treat multiple psychological issue including but not limited to personality disorders, eating disorders, panic attacks, performance anxiety, complicated grief, stress, dissociative disorders, disturbing memories, addictions, phobias, pain disorders, sexual and/or physical abuse and body dysmorphic disorders.
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment which comprehensively identifies and addresses experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural resilience or coping capacity, and have thereby generated traumatic symptoms and/or harmful coping strategies. Through EMDR therapy, patients are able to reprocess traumatic information until it is no longer psychologically disruptive (EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program).
During this procedure, patients tend to “process” the memory in a way that leads to a safe and peaceful resolution. This often results in increased insight regarding both previously disturbing events and long held negative thoughts about the self. For example, an assault victim may come to realize that he was not to blame for what happened, that the event is really over, and, as a result he can regain a general sense of safety in his world (EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program).
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Therapists begin by understanding the patient’s history, identifying specific memories and current situations that cause emotional distress. This phase sets the stage for a personalized treatment plan.
Phase 2: Preparation
The therapist introduces the patient to various stress-reduction techniques to ensure emotional stability throughout the therapy process.
Phase 3: Assessment
This phase involves identifying the vivid visual image related to the memory, a negative belief about self, related emotions and body sensations, and a positive belief to replace the negative one.
Phase 4: Desensitization
Using directed lateral eye movements, taps, or tones, the therapist leads the patient in focusing on the memory while simultaneously attending to an external stimulus. This phase aims to reduce the emotional impact of the memory.
Phase 5: Installation
The focus shifts to reinforcing the positive beliefs established in Phase 3.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The patient is asked to think of the target memory and observe any residual bodily sensations. Any remaining tension is targeted for reprocessing.
Phase 7: Closure
The therapy session concludes with the therapist helping the patient return to emotional equilibrium.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist checks on the patient’s progress and any new areas that need attention.
The Science Behind EMDR
Research into EMDR therapy suggests that its effectiveness may stem from the mimicking of the natural psychological state known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It appears that the eye movements in EMDR can lessen the vividness and emotional intensity of the traumatic memories.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers several benefits for individuals suffering from trauma and other distressing life experiences:
Reduction in the emotional impact of memories: Many patients report that memories of traumatic events become less disturbing after undergoing EMDR sessions.
Enhanced emotional resilience: EMDR can help patients develop coping mechanisms and emotional resilience against future stressors.
Accessibility: EMDR does not involve the use of drugs, making it an accessible treatment option for many people.
Patient Experiences with EMDR
Many patients who undergo EMDR therapy report feeling relief from emotional distress within just a few sessions. The therapy is often described as an effective method to address issues that do not respond well to traditional therapeutic approaches.
How it Works
Adaptive Information Processing
Adaptive information processing can be described as psychological wellness developed through and supported by positive life experiences with successful outcomes. These experiences equip an individual to cope with and process adversity effectively. Such positive experiences prepare an individual to manage distress effectively. These type of experiences build an individual’s self-worth, ability to regulate and soothe emotions and increase resiliency. They allow the brain to create a positive association and a paired response to similar experiences in the future.
Life experiences that are negative can interfere with the brain’s natural processing capabilities. Depending on the nature of the negative experience, the strengths and developmental stages of the person impacted, and the support available at the time of the event, some experiences cannot be easily moved or recovered from (EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program). Thus, creating psychological distress symptoms.
However due to neuroplasticity if these events can be fully processed and adaptive information processing enhanced healing can begin to take place. EMDR opens up the brain’s natural process to facilitate healing which ultimately leads to a reduction of suffering and symptoms and to the development of new coping skills that can support psychological health. After successful treatment with EMDR, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal associated with stress is reduced (EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program).
EMDR therapy simulates the eye movements that occur during REM sleep. REM sleep is the brain’s natural rejuvenating, restorative, healing method used to process information in a healthy and adaptive manner. EMDR can stimulate this same mechanism in the brain while an individual is awake through the use of bilateral stimulation. The bilateral stimulation enables the brain to move towards health and to encode information in a healthy, adaptive way. EMDR is not hypnosis and therefore an individual remains in complete control and aware during the therapy.
Considerations and Challenges
While EMDR is a powerful therapy for many, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients with certain types of anxiety disorders, such as those with underlying neurological concerns, may require additional assessments before beginning EMDR therapy.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy represents a significant advancement in the field of psychological health, providing hope and healing to many who suffer from trauma. By addressing the past, present, and future aspects of disturbing memories, EMDR helps individuals move forward in their lives with emotional freedom and resilience.
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
What issues can EMDR therapy address?
EMDR is primarily used to treat PTSD, but it is also effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
How long does an EMDR session last?
Typically, an EMDR session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes, EMDR therapy is considered safe, with few reported side effects.
How many sessions of EMDR are typically needed?
The number of sessions depends on the individual’s history and the severity of their symptoms, but some patients may notice improvement within three sessions.
Video Credit: EMDR International Association and Healing Quest