Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a structured approach designed to help you process traumatic memories. During sessions, you will briefly focus on a specific trauma memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process has been shown to reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of those memories.

Originally developed in 1987 for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model. This model suggests that symptoms of PTSD and similar disorders arise from past disturbing experiences that have not been fully processed. These unprocessed memories can hold onto the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with the traumatic event. When these memories are triggered, they can lead to distressing symptoms.

What makes EMDR unique is its focus on the memory itself rather than directly altering your emotions or thoughts. By targeting the memory, EMDR aims to change how it is stored in your brain, ultimately reducing or eliminating the problematic symptoms associated with it.

Typically, EMDR therapy involves one to two sessions per week, lasting a total of 6 to 12 sessions, although some individuals may find relief in fewer sessions. Sessions can also be scheduled on consecutive days if needed.

Throughout the therapy, you will engage in standardized procedures that include bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps. As you focus on the trauma memory while experiencing this stimulation, many clients find that the vividness and emotional charge of the memory decrease.

EMDR is recommended as an effective treatment for PTSD, and many individuals have benefited from this approach in their healing journey.

EMDR therapy is a structured approach designed to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences. The therapy consists of eight phases:

1. History-Taking: We will discuss your background and the specific experiences you want to address.

2. Preparation: I will help you understand the EMDR process and ensure you feel comfortable and safe.

3. Assessing the Target Memory: Together, we will identify the specific memory you want to work on.

4. Processing the Memory: We will work through the memory in a way that promotes healing and resolution.

5. Continuing Processing: This phase involves further processing to help you adaptively resolve the memory.

6. Further Processing: We will continue to work on the memory until you feel a sense of resolution.

7. Final Processing: We will ensure that the memory is fully processed and integrated.

8. Evaluating Treatment Results: We will review your progress and the outcomes of the therapy.

Typically, the processing of a specific memory can be completed in just one to three sessions. What sets EMDR apart from other trauma-focused treatments is that it does not require you to repeatedly relive the distressing memory, provide detailed descriptions of the trauma, challenge negative beliefs, or complete homework assignments. This makes the process more manageable and less overwhelming.