You want to live in the present, yet your past continues to haunt you.
Discover how EMDR therapy help you overcome past trauma and live a fulfilling life.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is rooted in the understanding that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process and cope with the emotional fallout.
How EMDR therapy works
Targeting Distressing Memories
EMDR focuses on memories that are causing emotional distress. These memories might be related to past traumas, upsetting events, or negative experiences.
Bilateral Stimulation
During EMDR sessions, individuals engage in bilateral stimulation, which can involve side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory stimuli. This rhythmic stimulation is thought to activate both sides of the brain.
Memory Processing
While focusing on distressing memories, the bilateral stimulation helps activate the brain's natural ability to process and integrate information. This processing aims to transform the negative emotions and beliefs associated with the memories.
Desensitization
The goal is to desensitize the emotional intensity linked to the targeted memories. As the distressing memories are processed, individuals often experience a reduction in emotional reactivity.
Installation of Positive Beliefs
EMDR includes the installation of positive beliefs to replace negative ones associated with the distressing memories. This step contributes to a more positive self-perception and outlook.
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP)
EMDR operates on the idea that the brain has a natural tendency to move toward health and balance. By facilitating the processing of memories, the therapy aims to help the brain integrate information in a more adaptive way.
Structured Phases
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase approach, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. These phases guide the therapeutic process.
Client-Centered
EMDR is adaptable to the individual needs of the client. The therapist works collaboratively with the individual, helping them navigate and process memories at a pace that feels comfortable.
Potential immediate benefits of EMDR therapy
Reduction in Distress
Many individuals report a reduction in immediate distress or emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories or distressing experiences. The bilateral stimulation in EMDR can contribute to a quicker desensitization of emotions.
Feeling Lighter or Calmer
Some people describe a sense of lightness or calmness and even sleepiness after an EMDR session. This immediate relief may be attributed to the processing of distressing memories and the reduction of emotional reactivity.
Shift in Perspective
EMDR can bring about a shift in how individuals perceive and interpret traumatic memories. This change in perspective may lead to immediate cognitive changes, such as a more balanced view of the self or the traumatic event.
Decreased Physical Tension
Individuals may experience a reduction in physical tension or discomfort associated with trauma. The processing of memories during EMDR can contribute to a release of physical tension.
Improved Sleep Quality
Some individuals notice improvements in sleep quality after an EMDR session. This can include fewer nightmares or a more restful night's sleep, particularly if sleep disturbances were related to traumatic memories.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation
EMDR aims to improve emotional regulation by reprocessing memories. Individuals may notice immediate changes in how they respond to emotions, with a potential decrease in emotional reactivity.
Empowerment
Engaging in the therapeutic process of EMDR can evoke a sense of empowerment and control. This feeling of taking an active role in addressing and processing traumatic memories can be immediate and impactful.
Increased Clarity
Some individuals report a greater sense of clarity or understanding about their past experiences immediately after an EMDR session. This newfound clarity can contribute to a more coherent narrative of the traumatic event.