EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is having a moment and is one of the most talked-about treatment modalities of the moment. If you’ve ever felt like your past traumas were dragging you down, EMDR might just be the sparkly new approach you need. EMDR allows clients to tap into those stressful, anxiety-provoking, traumatic memories, but in a way that really lightens the emotional burden. Here’s how it works: EMDR is a structured therapy that taps into specific memories. Before you get scared and think this is too overwhelming for me, know that it’s not all about diving deep into the gloom. In that moment, you quickly touch on those memories while experiencing what's known as bilateral stimulation. Originally, this involved making eye movements, and trust me, it’s not as weird as it sounds! This process has been proven to reduce not only the vividness of those memories but also the overwhelming emotions tied to them. Think of it as a way to lay down those burdens one at a time. EMDR has been extensively studied and continues to be studied, and consistently performs as the best way to treat and help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Studies have even shown that EMDR can outperform traditional medications like Prozac when it comes to treating trauma. If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will!

According to the brilliant minds of Maxfield (2019) and Van der Kolk et al. (2007), EMDR isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s a proven psychotherapy method. People dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and a plethora of other distressing life experiences have found relief through EMDR.

When you think about it, isn’t it wild that a structured therapy that interacts with how we engage with our fears and stressful memories helps us to manage our emotional burdens effectively? If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by past experiences or find that your memories are haunting you, don’t hesitate to explore EMDR.

What to Expect with EMDR?

First, you will sit down with your therapist, and after some good conversations, you and your therapist agree that EMDR is the route to take. In those early sessions, you’ll define what you want to work on. It’s all about improving your ability to manage distress. Think of it as laying the foundation for your dream house. Once you’re ready, your therapist will help you focus on a specific event that troubles you. You’ll identify the negative images, emotions, and beliefs associated with that memory. Here’s the beautiful part: you’ll also recognize a positive belief that helps you acknowledge your strength, and you work towards resolving the fear, discomfort, and sadness associated with that memory. It’s all about transforming those painful memories into something manageable. As you dig into that memory, Southern Pine Counseling will guide you through sets of side-to-side eye movements, or taps, through what are called "sets". After each set, you’ll reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with your therapist. This is where the magic happens. You begin to see shifts in how you feel or think about the memory. You begin to recognize your strength and connect with the idea that you are in control, when in the past that moment felt completely out of control. You can hit pause at any moment if it feels overwhelming. The process continues until that event becomes less disturbing. EMDR is flexible and can be used alongside traditional therapy or on its own.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy Treatment

Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first thing that happens when you attend an EMDR treatment session is that you provide your therapist with a comprehensive history. When you do this, you are giving your therapist the blueprints to the house you want to have built. You’ll identify the traumas you want to tackle, and your therapist will get to know you, including your strengths and areas for growth, and ensure that EMDR is the right fit at this time. You are making a roadmap for your healing journey.

Phase 2: Preparation

Like preparing for a trip, you need to prepare for EMDR. In this phase, your therapist explains how EMDR works. You’ll learn about the bilateral movements and other strategies that are needed in order for you to have success in completing your MDR therapy goals. This is your chance to ask questions and become comfortable with what’s ahead. Imagine having your favorite podcast at your fingertips. You should feel informed and empowered!

Phase 3: Assessment

Today is the big day! You and your therapist will explore the specific memories you wish to address. You begin by identifying negative beliefs tied to those experiences, like "I'm not safe, I cannot trust myself or anyone," and set positive beliefs to aim for, like "I am strong, I am capable." It allows you to have a jumping off point and hope when facing a difficult thing.  

Phase 4: Desensitization

Here’s where the real action begins. You’ll start processing your targeted memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. At Southern Pine Counseling, I typically use buzzies or tapping. As you focus on the memory, don’t be surprised if the feelings start to shift. It’s like finally taking the rocks out of your emotional backpack one at a time. They may be heavy, and it may be not easy at first, but soon, you’ll feel lighter.

Phase 5: Installation

Once the negative emotions start to fade, it’s time to bring in the positive. In this phase, you’ll reinforce those affirmations you’ve chosen, like a motivational hype session tailored just for you. Your therapist will guide you through the process of “installing” these positive beliefs, leaving you feeling empowered and equipped to take on the world.

Phase 6: Body Scan

Our bodies hold onto emotions, and our minds are like little pack rats hiding things in the smallest of places. That is why, during this phase, you’ll take a moment to check in with your body and identify any lingering tension or discomfort. By doing so, you ensure that all the little bits and pieces are sorted out, and there is nothing left lingering behind. By processing those physical sensations, you’ll clear out any residual emotional clutter, kind of like decluttering your closet.

Phase 7: Closure

As you are able to process each memory, a feeling of relief or release washes over you. When you get to this point, it is important to ground yourself and prepare yourself to re-enter the world. So you are confident and capable of continuing on with your day. Your therapist will help you utilize relaxation techniques to regain your center. It’s like having a debrief with your best friend after a rollercoaster date, taking stock of what just happened.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

Time to take a breath and look back at your progress. In your next session, you'll revisit those memories to see how you’re feeling. This is where you can assess how far you’ve come and what still needs some TLC. It’s like checking in with yourself after a few weeks and discussing, am I still haunted, or have I finally moved on? So there you have it! The eight phases of EMDR therapy treatment are not just a method; they’re your pathway to reclaiming your life. Think of it as a journey of self-discovery, where you’ll emerge on the other side stronger and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you. Embrace it, and remember, you’ve got this! Just like finding love, the road may be bumpy, but every step brings you closer to freedom. It's your time to shine!