By Brynn Barry, LPC
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to rapidly desensitize distressing or traumatic memories. Typically, bilateral stimulation is accomplished through utilizing horizontal eye movements, similar to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) during sleep. Trauma memories aren't always intrusive; they are often affecting the way someone thinks, feels and acts subconsciously. When these memories become less dominant in the brain, healthier neural networks can be integrated.
EMDR therapy has received extensive research and evaluation. Although it was initially created for the treatment of trauma, it also effectively treats anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, OCD and other symptoms and disorders.
Why is EMDR effective?
The founder of EMDR, Francine Shapiro, created EMDR after observing the connection between bilateral stimulation and mental processing. She discovered that rapid eye movements provide clinicians access to unprocessed memories in the brain. When memories remain unprocessed, they cause emotional and physiological pain and discomfort despite the absence of the original trigger. EMDR therapy "unfreezes" these memories and speeds up processing so the brain can heal. This approach doesn't erase memories, but it does reduce the distress someone feels when recalling them. Desensitizing these memories also deconstructs unhealthy beliefs, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not worthy."
Who Would Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
Have you experienced distressing life events or trauma? Do you become easily overwhelmed or feel fear, anger or depression during the day or when you imagine the future? Do you have negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself, others or the world? Then you would probably benefit from EMDR therapy.
What Can I Expect from EMDR therapy?
If you are interested in EMDR, let your therapist know. Even if they are not trained in this approach, you may be able to participate in adjunct therapy in addition to your current one. You can expect each session to last the length of a normal therapy session (55 minutes).
If your therapist agrees that EMDR therapy would be beneficial to you, you'll begin the eight structured phases of this approach. This starts with planning your treatment, preparing and stabilizing, and then identifying beliefs, emotions, images and body sensations tied to target memories. You will then reprocess memories with bilateral stimulation and integrate healthier beliefs. The planning and preparation stage often lasts multiple sessions before the reprocessing phase.
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