The basics of emdr therapy

Are you struggling with PTSD or a traumatic experience? 
Intense dreams? 
flashbacks? 
Anxiety-induced isolation? 

Traumatic experiences can bring your life to a halt. You may wonder if you’ll ever feel relief or heal from your emotional wounds. Could there be something out there that can aid in this process? 

Luckily there is a psychotherapy treatment designed to do just that!

What is EMDR? 
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment designed to enable people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. This is accomplished by modifying the way traumatic events are stored in our mind. Once you are able to properly process a memory, you can recall the traumatic events without experiencing the intense emotional reactions. 

Here is an example to better illustrate this - When you hurt yourself, your body works to heal the wound. However, if something is repeatedly irritating the wound, pain is caused and healing is halted. In order for healing to resume, the block must be removed. Similarly, your brain processes naturally move toward healing. A disturbing event may create an imbalance or blockage to your system, causing suffering. EMDR helps remove the block inhibiting you from healing; helping you activate your natural healing processes. 

What are the phases of EMDR? 
EMDR consists of eight stages, focusing on - the past, present, and future. These phases serve as a roadmap for therapists to guide clients over a span of sessions. 

• Phase 1. This phase can be thought of as the game plan. In this phase the therapist will be gathering and identifying information regarding past and present memories or situations that cause emotional distress. The information gathered will be used to develop a treatment plan, including the “target” you’d like to address.

• Phase 2. Having a treatment plan is great, but having the resources to prepare for what’s to come is even better. The goal of this phase is for you to learn numerous ways to handle your emotional distress during and between your sessions. 

• Phases 3-6. This is where the magic happens. During this phase you will identify and process a distressing memory using EMDR processing. A fast back and forth movement is used to unlock your trauma. These movements might include eye movements, taps, or tones. 

  During this phase you will be asked to recall the following - 

  • Disturbing image(s) of the event

  • Negative thoughts about yourself in regards to the event

  • Positive thoughts you’d like to have about yourself once the trauma is processed

  • Current body sensations and emotions related to the traumatic event 

As you are recalling parts of your distressing memory, your therapist will cue you to perform specific eye movements. You will experience a range of thoughts and reactions, likely feeling like you are reliving that memory. Your responses from what you experience will help track your progress. The goal of each session is to install positive beliefs and improve emotional responses. 

Phase 7 & 8. Closure and re-evaluation. In phase 7 you will be asked to log if/when you experience a memory or event that elicits stress. If/when you are faced with one, you will be encouraged to remember your self calming mechanisms. Your nest session will begin with phase 8. This EMDR treatment will examine the progress you have made thus far. You will process related past events, current incidents, and future events that elicit distress. 

Am I ready for EMDR? 
With all of this information you may be wondering if you’re ready. Here’s what you need to know - you don’t need to come equipped with every coping mechanism necessary for processing. Your therapist is here to help you strengthen and build new tools, so that you are well resourced as you embark on your EMDR journey. 

growgood psychology has a team of therapists that are dedicated to support you during your healing process.
We will create a safe holding space for you to connect with your body. As you embark on your EMDR journey, we will help you acquire the skills that will support you in creating a fulfilling life. You can achieve inner peace with ourteam of therapists.Connect with us now to begin the healing process and embrace growth with our trauma informed therapists!