What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was originated and developed by an American psychologist, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in 1987. Shapiro was taking a walk in the park and noticed that eye movements seemed to decrease her own negative emotions linked to her personal traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989). From there, the research began and grew. EMDR has traditionally been used by trained therapists to treat PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorders) and past trauma. Veterans and first-responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, eyewitnesses and others working in emergency situations may find EMDR therapy beneficial to process recent or past traumatic events (https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr-therapy-layperson/).
However, did you know that recent studies indicate EMDR is effective in also treating depression, anxiety, phobias not induced by trauma, addiction, and eating disorders?
UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA
Trauma can surface for you in the following ways:
• a single incident
• multiple events throughout life (complex trauma)
• OFTEN INVOLVES RELATIONSHIP TRAUMA
• physical or sexual abuse
• childhood neglect
• verbal or emotional abuse
WHAT ALSO FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORY OF “A TRAUMATIC EVENT”?
We experience trauma involving our relationships in the form of an extramarital affair, a separation or divorce, the death or illness of a child or family member, addictions including gambling, pornography, drugs and alcohol, sexual dysfunction, family of origin trauma or abuse, and yes…even negative communication, or miscommunication patterns in our relationships.
HOW DOES EMDR WORK?
Sometimes, our brain will lock in a memory with an original image, sound, feeling, smell, or thought. Since that memory is locked in the brain, it continues to be triggered when we are reminded of the distressing cue. Fear, negative emotions, helplessness, discomfort, and loss of control are often connected to the traumatic memory. The tools we use in EMDR can loosen and rewire the brain’s pathways (much like REM sleep patterns) and the memory eventually feels different, lighter, and further away. Our feelings and emotions associated with the memory are forever changed for the better. In other words, our brains do the work.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AN EMDR THERAPY SESSION?
There are eight phases in EMDR therapy and remember, each case is unique. The phases of EMDR include:
1. The therapist taking a complete history with you and a treatment plan is explored.
2. The therapist prepares you and explains how EMDR works, addressing your concerns and questions.
3. You will identify the event you decide to reprocess with your therapist, including sights, smells, sounds, sensations, and your core beliefs surrounding the memory.
4. You will actively process the target memory using bilateral stimulation. This phase may include the therapist guiding you in one or more of the following techniques to stimulate bilateral brain activity during memory processing:
a. You may be asked to cross your arms touching your opposite shoulder, taking turns tapping each shoulder back and forth
b. Following the therapist’s finger back and forth in front of your face with your eyes
c. Holding tappers in your hands that vibrate one at a time for bilateral stimulation
d. If the therapist has a light bar, you may be asked to track the light on the light bar back and forth with your eyes, much like following a tennis match
e. Sounds and tones in each ear using headphones may be added or used independently
f. These techniques can be used in person or during telehealth sessions online
5. Installation – fortifying and reinforcing the positive belief you want to connect with the target memory or event.
6. The therapist will ask you to do a body scan from head to toe while thinking about the target event and your new positive feeling or belief. During this phase, you will process any remaining discomfort you may feel in your body and mind.
7. Closure – your therapist will assist you in returning to your safe, calm place in the present moment, where hopefully you feel more neutral about the target event, and you sense and are aware that the new positive belief feels completely true to you.
8. Reevaluation is the last phase. You and your therapist recount recently reprocessed memories at the beginning of each session, validating that distress is still low and the positive belief is still true for you (https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/).
Kandace Williamson, LMFT-Associate, Supervised by Ryan Lloyd, PhD, LMFT-S
I hope you found this blog helpful in your journey towards healing. If you are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD regarding past memories or specific events, seeking EMDR therapy in Fort Worth may be beneficial for you. And, if you are seeking couples counseling, individual therapy, teen therapy, or family therapy, Reconnecting Relationships Therapy can help! Please feel free to visit our website and research my profile and our other therapist’s profiles to learn more and find the right fit for you and your needs. Making an appointment online is simple and our website is easy to navigate and will guide you through the steps. Take care.