EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Even if this is the first you have heard of EMDR therapy, this therapeutic approach was developed in the late 1980s. EMDR is primarily used to treat individuals who have experienced trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It stands as an evidenced based practice for the treatment of PTSD and can be utilized for other disorders, such as anxiety. This type of therapeutic approach should only be used by EMDR-trained clinicians.
What I love about EMDR therapy as an EMDR-trained therapist is that this approach involves a structured eight-phase approach in which the therapist helps the person process distressing memories by using bilateral stimulation, which can include side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. I love that during EMDR, you are in control and you do not have to talk about your traumatic experiences if you do not want to, in contrast with other trauma-processing techniques.
The goal of EMDR is to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and helping them integrate these memories in a healthier way. When unresolved trauma is stored in the body, it can manifest in uncomfortable body sensations, sleep disturbances, nightmares, appetite disturbances and relationship distress.
The eight phases of EMDR are:
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- History-taking and treatment planning: During this phase, your therapist will gather a history of your traumatic experiences, without going into details to avoid re-traumatizing, and will discuss present triggers and goal for therapy.
- Preparation: While in the preparation phase, your therapist will collaborate with establishing trust and explaining the process of EMDR. During this phase, your therapist will establish your preferred bilateral stimulation (BLS) and will work with you in resourcing (teaching you coping skills).
- Assessment: If you are able to successfully implement resources (coping skills) in between sessions, you and your therapist will move towards identifying target memories, images associated with them, associated negative beliefs, desired positive beliefs, level of disturbance, emotions and body sensations.
- Desensitization: During this phase is when you will be processing the identified target memories using bilateral stimulation. During this phase you may experience some disturbance in between sessions but you are able to use your established resources.
- Installation: Once your level of disturbance pertaining to your target memories decreases, you and your therapist will start towards promoting positive beliefs.
- Body Scan: During this phase, you will work on identifying and processing any residual physical tension related to your distressful memories. As trauma is also stored in the body, this is also an important part of processing your trauma.
- Closure: At the end of every session, your therapist will ensure that you are stabilized before ending a session by reviewing your resources and implementing them in session.
- Reevaluation: The reevaluation phase happens at the beginning of every session by assessing progress in subsequent sessions.
Over the years, EMDR has gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders. Many studies have supported its efficacy, and it is used by licensed therapists with specialized training in EMDR therapy.
Want to learn more about EMDR? Contact us today.
- References: https://www.emdria.org
DISCLAIMER: Although I am a mental health professional, the information I provide should not be considered a substitute for a formal mental health evaluation. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can contact us at (407) 906-5214.
Mental health is a complex and highly individualized matter, and what works for one person may not work for another. The best course of action for anyone dealing with mental health concerns is to schedule an appointment with us for a personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options. Please remember that seeking help from a licensed mental health expert is a vital step in addressing mental health challenges.
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