Is EMDR a right treatment option for you?

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic modality that was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. It is aimed to relieve distress and symptoms related to traumatic memories to the point of its healthy resolution. Studies show that with EMDR, people can often achieve and sustain symptom relief and healing much sooner than with conventional forms of therapy. EMDR accomplishes this by accessing the traumatic memory network, removing “blocks” of the nervous system and allowing the brain’s natural healing process to take place. 

What issues can EMDR help with?

EMDR can be helpful with a variety of problems and symptoms. Many of these problems can become chronic due to a traumatic memory being “locked” in the nervous system, preventing it from natural reprocessing and adaptation. EMDR has been widely validated by research with civilian Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Research on other applications of EMDR is now in progress. Conditions that may be successfully resolved through the use of EMDR therapy are listed below but not limited to:

• Trauma

• Depression

• Anxiety and Phobia

• Sleep issues and Nightmares

• Anger

• Grief

• Illness and Somatic Disorders

• Panic Disorders

• Eating Disorders

• Low self-esteem

• Substance use

What can I expect during the EMDR Process?

Prior to the beginning of EMDR therapy the counselor will complete an assessment with you to determine appropriateness of this modality based on your mental health history, presenting concern, past and current symptoms and your ability to self-regulate. If EMDR is determined to be appropriate for you, your counselor may teach you additional self-regulation, relaxation and affective-modulation skills which would be helpful during the therapeutic process. 

EMDR consists of 8 consecutive Phases: History gathering, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body scan, Closure and Re-evaluation. Your counselor will work with you through each phase sequentially at a pace that is driven by your brain’s natural ability to re-process traumatic memory, adapt new information and heal.   

What does a session looks like?

During the first three phases you will be working on the following:

Establishing trusting connection and building rapport with your counselor. Exploring questions pertaining to your mental health. Gathering history of trauma. Accessing and learning helpful coping skills and determining safety factors. Beginning in phases 4-8, your counselor will ask you to concentrate on the traumatic memory while providing short sets of bilateral stimulation. (This is where relaxation and coping skills taught earlier in sessions may come in handy to self-soothe.) Bilateral stimulation may be introduced through a variety of techniques, such as directed eye movements (visual), hand-tapping or utilization of small hand “buzzers” (tactile) and audio stimulation through the use of audio tones and headphones. 

Here is a helpful video on what your EMDR treatment may look like:

 

What else do I need to know?

When working on trauma, distressing, unresolved memories may surface. Subsequent to the treatment session, the memory processing may continue, and manifest itself in vivid or unusual dreams, memories, flashbacks, new feelings and insights. This often indicates that the change is taking place after the “block” has been removed from the nervous system and the old information is going through successful adaptation. Especially during this time, it is important to have a great rapport and trusting relationship with your counselor who is professionally trained in EMDR and can best support you through this healing process.

At our Counseling Center, we make it a priority to get to know you, understand your struggles, really connect and show unconditional acceptance throughout your treatment. Helping you move from being stuck, frozen in the past into your future is our treatment priority. Let us help you get there! Start today by giving us a call! 

 

 

 

References: 

Francine Shapiro, PhD. 2001.”Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures”-2^nd ed. The Guilford press, Inc., New York, NY.;

Video credit: Vereniging EMDR Nederland (VEN) and Therapieland;