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What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain and does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
How does EMDR work?
After the therapist and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, the client will work through the eight phases of EMDR therapy with their therapist. Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, emotion, and body sensation related to this event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved.
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Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion). While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help.
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Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
Molly Muntifering, MS, APC is an Associate Professional Counselor and a trained EMDR and trauma therapist that specializes in working with clients experiencing complex trauma.
Sources:
What is EMDR?, EMDR Institute, Inc.
About EMDR Therapy, emdria.org
What is an EMDR session like?, EMDR International Association
The Evidence on EMDR, An interview with Dr. Francine Shapiro, developer of EMDR, in The New York Times.
What is Bilateral Stimulation?, www.AnxietyReleaseApp.com