What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a powerful psychotherapy technique which has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post-traumatic stress and many other emotional problems. It is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief, and its effectiveness is supported by an extensive body of scientific research. By using EMDR to release and reduce the buried feelings associated with trauma and anxieties, a person experiences a reduction in current emotional distress and symptoms (i.e. behavioral outbursts or tantrums due to the “flooding” of emotions, the desire to use substances to avoid uncomfortable emotions, the avoidance of upsetting situations).
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (right/left stimulation using touch, sounds, actions, or the classic eye movements) which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, allowing the mind to relax and the mind/body to release emotional experiences that are "trapped" in the nervous system. This assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the mind/body connection, to free itself of blockages and reconnect itself.
What does it look like as a client?
The therapist works gently with the client and asks him/her to revisit (imagine, draw, act out, or discuss) a traumatic or fearful moment, incident, or hypothetical scenario and bring up feelings surrounding the experience, as well as any associated discomfort in the body, negative thoughts, and related memories. The therapist then provides bilateral stimulation with periodic breaks involving emotional support as needed and brief opportunities for the client to report his or her internal experience.
The more intensely the client focuses on the memory/imagined scenario, the easier it becomes for it to come to life and for buried pain and fear to be released. As quick and vibrant images, memories, or sensations arise during the therapy session, they shift and are processed quickly, resulting in uncomfortable feelings being exchanged for more peaceful, loving and resolved feelings.
How does EMDR work?
When highly upsetting experiences happen (or are imagined), they are stored in the brain and body with all the sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany them. During these times, the brain seems to be unable to process the experience as it would normally. Therefore, the negative thoughts and feelings of the traumatic event are literally "trapped" and stored in the nervous system. The distress of these “trapped” memories lives on in the nervous system where it causes disturbances in the person’s emotional experience, relationships, and career performance.
The EMDR Technique does two very important things. First, it "unlocks" the negative memories and emotions stored in the nervous system, and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience. The therapist works gently with the client, guiding him or her to revisit a traumatic incident, current trigger, anxiety about the future, or ongoing fear. When it is brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced in a rapid and new way. EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their re-actions.