By Taylor Oberhelman-McLeod, MA, PLPC
There is a lot of talk circulating the internet about EMDR, but what even is it? Imagine being able to confront painful memories without being overwhelmed by them. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) offers a groundbreaking way to heal from trauma and distress, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. Since its development in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition as a highly effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges.
What is EMDR?
EMDR operates on the understanding that unresolved trauma can disrupt the brain’s natural healing process. When a person experiences trauma, their brain may struggle to process the memory fully, leaving it “stuck” and causing emotional and psychological distress. These unresolved memories can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or feelings of being “triggered.”
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR helps the brain “unstick” these memories through bilateral stimulation (BLS), which engages both sides of the brain. BLS can be visual (such as following the therapist’s finger movements or watching a light with your eyes), auditory (listening to alternating tones), or tactile (such as tapping on your hands or knees). This stimulation is believed to mimic the brain’s natural processing during REM sleep, facilitating the integration and resolution of traumatic memories.
EMDR is unique in that it doesn’t require clients to repeatedly recount their trauma. Instead, it leverages the brain’s natural ability to heal, using bilateral stimulation to “unstick” memories and reduce their emotional impact. Many clients report feeling significant relief and an improved ability to move forward after completing EMDR therapy.
Structure of EMDR Therapy
The EMDR process is structured into eight distinct phases:
- History-Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers detailed information about the client’s history and identifies specific memories to target during EMDR sessions.
- Preparation/Resourcing: The client learns coping skills and grounding techniques to ensure they feel safe and supported throughout the therapy.
- Assessment: The therapist and client focus on a specific memory, identifying its associated images, emotions, and negative beliefs (e.g., “I am powerless”). Together, they establish a positive belief to work toward (e.g., “I am in control”).
- Desensitization: The client engages in BLS, this stimulation helps the brain process the traumatic memory and reduce its emotional intensity.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced as the therapist guides the client in replacing negative associations with empowering thoughts.
- Body Scan: The client checks for any lingering physical tension or discomfort. If any distress remains, additional BLS may be needed.
- Closure: Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure the client feels stable and secure.
- Reevaluation: At the start of the next session, the therapist assesses progress and determines if further work on the memory is necessary.
What Can EMDR Be Used For?
While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it is also effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Chronic pain
- Performance anxiety
A Path to Healing
In a world where trauma and mental health struggles are increasingly recognized, EMDR offers a powerful and effective way to heal. By addressing and resolving past pain, EMDR helps individuals create a brighter and more resilient future. At The Center for Mindfulness and CBT, we have quite a few therapists that are trained in EMDR. If you are interested in learning more about EMDR or think it’s a treatment option you would like to try, reach out to our intake team.
