Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
You may have heard about EMDR and wondered what exactly it is and whether or not it may be helpful for you. In short, EMDR is a therapeutic technique which is evidence-based and has proven to be highly effective at treating symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It incorporates bilateral stimulation, which sometimes includes rapid eye movements (eyes shifting back and forth in a specific way), rapid alternating taps on the knees or hands, bilateral auditory stimulation via headphones, or pulses delivered by pulsars held in the hands. EMDR bridges what we know (intellectual knowledge) with what we feel (emotional feedback). It has proven to be effective at reducing common symptoms associated with PTSD such as nightmares, flashbacks, hyperarousal, physiological experiencing, and hypervigilant reactions to triggers. Bilateral stimulation as described facilitates activation of our mind’s natural ability to heal itself, just like when our body heals a wound.
Often, when we experience trauma, our brain creates state-specific memories which are highly charged with overwhelming emotional material and stored with a physiological component. When we recall a traumatic memory, our nervous system can go so far as to conjure up the memory as if we are actually experiencing this memory again. Our heart may race, stomach may drop, we may sweat, cry, scream, or feel an overwhelming sense of dread, fear, or helplessnes. The physiological condition we experienced when this traumatic memory was initially formed continues to inform us currently, even though we are not in an immediate state of danger. EMDR facilitates the processing of these state specific, physiologically-arousing memories into more tolerable, less overwhelming memories. EMDR does not change the reality of what you experienced, but it can help you activate more adaptive thinking and coping mechanisms in current and future situations even when prior memories of trauma are triggered.
How long does EMDR take?
The beginning phase of treatment usually takes three to five sessions. This involves comprehensive history taking and relaxation exercise building. Usually, the bilateral processing is added after this initial phase is complete. The bilateral processing sessions can cover a lot of ground very rapidly, which is why some report experiencing relief faster with EMDR, rather than more traditional talk therapy alone.
How does EMDR work?
The honest answer is – no one knows exactly why bilateral stimulation has the powerful effects that it does. Some theories include the similarity that eye movements have to REM sleep, which is the crucial phase of sleep where your eyes move rapidly and your body works to regenerate itself. However, some believe that bilateral stimulation disrupts the original memory with interference which helps dissociate the memory from the body’s physiological response and allows the thought processing mechanism of your brain to adaptively store the memories in a more functional, less physiologically-aroused way.
Could EMDR benefit me if I don’t have PTSD?
The benefits of EMDR continue to be investigated. However, EMDR can be helpful for painful memories, even if they weren’t necessarily traumatic memories (memories where immediate danger or threat was present). Examples of such memories may include high school bullying by peers, psychological abuse inflicted by a parent, peer, or educator, or memories of social embarrassment, hostility or exclusion. If you are interested in EMDR, it is definitely worth discussing it at your next session with me and we can determine whether it may be a benefit for you.
What if I try it out, but I don’t like it?
I am your therapeutic ally and will respect your decision to continue or discontinue any aspect of your treatment which does not feel right for you. While I offer EMDR, I also specialize in other evidence-based therapeutic practices, such as motivational interviewing and traditional psychodynamic therapy (talk therapy). If you do not wish to incorporate EMDR into your therapy, I am happy to accommodate your therapeutic needs with the other specializations I offer.