EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR integrates elements from various therapeutic practices but stands out with its unique use of bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, to assist in the reprocessing of traumatic memories.

The core principle of EMDR is that our minds possess an inherent ability to heal from psychological trauma, much like our bodies heal from physical injuries. However, when trauma overwhelms our coping mechanisms, it can disrupt this natural healing process. EMDR therapy helps to activate the brain's natural healing processes by revisiting and reprocessing traumatic memories in a way that is less distressing, ultimately reducing the emotional impact and enabling individuals to move forward.

Through structured protocols, EMDR therapy targets specific memories, allowing individuals to reprocess these memories safely and effectively. As these memories are reprocessed, the distressing emotions and symptoms associated with them often diminish, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Daily Life

Trauma is the emotional aftermath of an intensely distressing or disturbing event. This could encompass experiences such as accidents, abuse, violence, loss, or any situation that feels overwhelmingly threatening to an individual. Even though the event itself may have passed, the impact of trauma can persist, often disrupting an individual’s life long after the actual event.

Common manifestations of trauma include:

• Emotional Symptoms: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, or guilt.

• Cognitive Effects: Difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, and memory problems.

• Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, or unexplained medical issues.

• Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, or substance abuse.

• Relational Impact: Strained relationships, difficulty trusting others, or feeling disconnected from loved ones.

Trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health, potentially resulting in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These conditions can have a profound impact on a person's overall well-being and daily functioning. It is crucial to seek comprehensive treatment to address and heal from the distressing experiences associated with trauma in order to improve one's quality of life.

How EMDR Can Help

We understand that dealing with emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences can be incredibly difficult. EMDR therapy has shown to be highly effective in helping individuals heal from these experiences. According to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy include:

• Reduction of Trauma Symptoms: EMDR helps in reducing the intensity and frequency of distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts .

• Improved Emotional Regulation: By reprocessing traumatic memories, individuals often experience greater emotional stability and improved coping mechanisms .

• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence: As trauma-related distress diminishes, individuals often report increased self-esteem and a more positive self-image .

• Better Relationships: Healing from trauma can lead to healthier relationships, as individuals may find it easier to trust, communicate, and connect with others.

Research from the American Psychological Association supports EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD, highlighting its effectiveness across diverse populations and a range of traumatic experiences .

At Sage House Therapy, our clinician Alanna is trained in EMDR and integrates a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, ensuring that each client receives compassionate and individualized care tailored to their unique needs.

What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?

An EMDR session typically involves eight phases that guide the therapeutic process from start to finish:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers comprehensive information about the client’s history and current concerns to develop a tailored treatment plan.

2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, establishes trust, and teaches coping skills to manage emotional distress.

3. Assessment: The therapist identifies specific memories to target and evaluates the associated negative emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations.

4. Desensitization: The client focuses on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This helps to reduce the emotional charge of the memory.

5. Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace the previously negative associations with the traumatic memory.

6. Body Scan: The client scans their body for residual tension or discomfort, allowing the therapist to address any remaining distress.

7. Closure: Each session ends with techniques to ensure the client leaves feeling stable and empowered.

8. Reevaluation: The therapist reviews progress in subsequent sessions to assess the effectiveness and address any new or remaining issues.