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EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured therapeutic treatment that uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to reduce the emotional response and intensity of traumatic memories and distressing experiences. EMDR is utilized to assist in processing distressing experiences to help you gain insight into understandings and perspectives of your experience to create a more helpful response.
Furthermore, BLS uses rhythmic stimulation that alternates from one side of the body to the other in a left-right movement. Since our practice is virtual, we use only auditory BLS. In easier to understand terms, a beep will go from one ear to the other! Tapping can also be used during and in between sessions to help with processing. Research has shown that EMDR therapy done virtually can be just as effective as in-person EMDR therapy.
How Does EMDR Work?
Our brains have a natural ability to process through trauma or distressing events through communication between our brain's Amygdala (detects danger), Hippocampus (stores memories), and Prefrontal Cortex (executive functioning). But sometimes, our brains can become overwhelmed when processing distressing events and, essentially, stores the memory incorrectly so that when that memory is triggered, our bodies react as if we are experiencing that event in real time. This is usually referred to in EMDR as a "Stuck Memory".
EMDR works with your brain's natural processing to help in restoring that memory properly in your brain, not erasing it, so that the stress response is reduced when coming into contact with triggers. In the brain, it works by reducing the activation of your Amygdala when distress or trauma is triggered, and has been observed to increase activity in the Prefrontal Cortex, assisting with emotion regulation. As for the Hippocampus, EMDR helps the Hippocampus in the restoring piece, storing that memory in your brain where it can distinguish the past from the present.
You can learn more about EMDR here and learn more bout the neuroscience behind EMDR here.
What can EMDR Help With?
Trauma, PTSD, CPTSD
By reducing the emotional response to and intensity of distressing memories and experiences, EMDR can help you reduce intensity of triggers, identify and cope with emotions, and address negative core beliefs developed from the trauma.
Eating Disorders
EMDR may help people with eating disorders improve body satisfaction, reduce restrictive or avoidant food behaviors, and reduce urges to engage in compensatory behaviors. For eating disorders, EMDR is to be used in conjunction with traditional eating disorder therapy treatments.
Anxiety
EMDR has a focus on the mind-body connection. By focusing on thoughts, body sensations, and emotions, EMDR can help you become more attune with your body and to experience without judgment. EMDR can be especially helpful if anxiety is tied to past experiences.
Phobias
Rather than using EMDR, to treat phobias we typically use EMD-meaning that often all that's needed is desensitization of the fear. If the phobia is related to a past experience, then the reprocessing comes in to fully address the phobia and distressing experience.
Depression
EMDR is useful in treating depression related to our experiences that shape our beliefs about ourselves. EMDR addresses these negative beliefs by creating understanding of your experiences and gain new perspectives to shape positive beliefs.
*Not everyone is eligible for EMDR. It is important to consult with an EMDR therapist to determine if EMDR is right for you*
Is EMDR Right For Me?
It is always best to consult with an EMDR therapist to fully determine if EMDR therapy would be a good fit for you.
EMDR therapy can be a good option for those who feel they don't benefit 100% from talk therapy alone, or who just don't like traditional talk therapy.
EMDR therapy can also be a good fit for those who just feel stuck, like they've hit a wall. You may feel like, logically, you know what to do, you know what the answer is or why you feel the way that you do, but it's just not connecting to your actual emotional response to the situation. EMDR works with your brain's natural processing ability to bridge that gap and free you from that stuck, stagnant feeling.
