EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences, and to modify maladaptive believes.

It facilitates the processing of traumatic/disturbing memories by using the brain’s natural healing abilities.

When a distressing event happens, it can become trapped in the nervous system, along with the associated images, sounds, thoughts, and emotions. These memories may blend actual details with imagined elements or symbolic representations of the event and feelings. Memory networks can retrieve these stored experiences, which can be helpful at times but can also lead to difficulties when the system becomes overwhelmed and stuck in a repetitive cycle. EMDR helps to release this stuck energy, allowing the system to function as it naturally should.

EMDR appears to work by unlocking the nervous system and enabling the brain to process the event more effectively. This process may be similar to what happens during REM or dream sleep, where eye movements help in working through unconscious material. It’s essential to understand that it’s your brain facilitating the healing process, and you remain in control throughout.

1. History Taking:

   • Description: In this initial phase, the therapist gathers comprehensive information about your history and identifies traumatic memories or issues to target during therapy.

   • Purpose: To create a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs and experiences.

2. Preparation:

   • Description: The therapist explains the EMDR process, sets expectations, and teaches you relaxation and coping techniques to manage emotional stress.

   • Purpose: To ensure you feel safe, informed, and equipped to handle any distress that may arise during therapy.

3. Assessment:

   • Description: Together, you and the therapist select a specific memory to target. You’ll identify vivid images related to the memory, associated negative beliefs about yourself, and desired positive beliefs.

   • Purpose: To establish clear targets for therapy and measurable goals for transformation.

4. Desensitization:

   • Description: This phase involves processing the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (explained below). You’ll focus on the distressing memory while the therapist guides you through eye movements or other forms of stimulation.

   • Purpose: To reduce the intensity of disturbing emotions and sensations associated with the memory.

5. Installation:

   • Description: The therapist helps you strengthen a positive belief to replace the negative belief identified earlier. You focus on this positive belief while continuing bilateral stimulation.

   • Purpose: To reinforce a healthier, more adaptive perspective.

6. Body Scan:

   • Description: You’ll observe your physical responses while thinking about the traumatic memory and the new positive belief.

   • Purpose: To identify and address any residual physical tension or distress that might indicate unprocessed material.

7. Closure:

   • Description: At the end of each session, the therapist ensures you return to a state of emotional equilibrium. Relaxation techniques may be used, and you may be asked to keep a journal of any thoughts or feelings that arise between sessions.

   • Purpose: To ensure your safety and stability after processing traumatic material.

8. Re-evaluation:

   • Description: At the beginning of the next session, the therapist reviews your progress, discussing any new insights or issues that have emerged.

   • Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the treatment and determine next steps.

A key component of EMDR Therapy is bilateral stimulation, which involves engaging both sides of the brain through rhythmic eye movements, sounds, or taps. The most common method is having you follow the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes from side to side. Alternatively, bilateral stimulation can be achieved through auditory tones delivered via headphones or tactile sensations like tapping on your knees or hands.

Purpose of Bilateral Stimulation:

• Facilitates Processing: It helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories that have become “stuck,” allowing for normal healing to resume.

• Reduces Emotional Intensity: By stimulating both hemispheres of the brain, it can decrease the vividness and emotional charge of distressing memories.

• Promotes Adaptive Thinking: Encourages the development of positive beliefs to replace negative ones associated with the trauma.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks

• Depression

• Phobias

• Grief and Loss

• Stress-related Issues

• Performance Anxiety

• Safe Environment: The therapist creates a supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring difficult memories.

• Active Participation: You’ll engage in specific tasks during sessions but remain in control throughout the process.

• Emotional Response: It’s normal to experience strong emotions during or after sessions, and your therapist will provide strategies to manage these feelings.