EMDR Therapy
What is it?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an integrative, evidence-based therapy approach for the treatment of trauma. It is also used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, performance anxiety, chronic pain, and a number of other concerns.
How does it work?
When we experience something traumatic or disturbing, these memories are stored in the nervous system in a fragmented way with all the images, sounds, smells, and other sensory information that go along with the experience. EMDR is an accelerated way of reprocessing this information so it can be properly stored in the memory, as opposed to “stuck” in the body. Because EMDR utilizes the mind-body connection, it works very fast, especially compared to talk therapy. Another advantage is that if there are memories that are difficult to talk about, you don’t need to share the details of these memories for processing to take place.
How does moving your eyes back and forth help anyway?
Bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as moving the eyes back and forth or alternating tones, helps by engaging both sides of the brain, allowing traumatic memories to be processed more calmly. This rhythmic stimulation, similar to what happens in REM sleep, reduces the emotional intensity of memories and integrates them into more logical parts of the brain. By doing so, BLS makes traumatic memories feel less overwhelming and helps promote long-term healing.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes! EMDR can be very effective online, and we are even able to take advantage of technology to assist with the process. I use bilateralstimulatio.io, a web-based tool designed to deliver bilateral stimulation virtually.
When can I start?
EMDR is an eight-phase process. Processing does not begin during the first session. A detailed developmental history is the first step. Processing begins when you’ve been thoroughly assessed and prepared, and this period of time depends on a number of factors and varies from person to person.
Where can I learn more?
EMDR International Association: