What is EDMR – Healing Trauma
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach used to address and heal trauma. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment modality for trauma-related disorders.
The underlying concept of EMDR is that traumatic or overwhelming experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, almost “frozen” in time with all the raw sensations, thoughts, and emotions that occurred at the time of the experience. This can lead a person to continue experiencing the distressing symptoms long after the experience(s) and interfere with their daily life. EMDR aims to reprocess these traumatic and overwhelming memories and facilitate their integration into more adaptive and less distressing narratives.
The process of EMDR typically involves several stages. First, the therapist and client establish a therapeutic relationship and gather information about the client’s trauma history and current symptoms. This initial assessment helps guide the treatment plan and ensures that the therapy is tailored to the client’s specific needs.
The next step is preparation, where the therapist helps the client develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques to ensure emotional stability during the EMDR sessions. It is important that therapy, even if challenging, stays within the window of what a client can tolerate. Creating a sense of safety is crucial before delving into traumatic memories.
Once the client is adequately prepared, the therapist and client work together to identify specific targets or memories related to the trauma. These targets become the focus of the EMDR treatment. The client then recalls the distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, which can involve following the therapist’s finger movements, listening to alternating sounds, or other forms of sensory stimulation.
This bilateral stimulation is believed to stimulate the brain’s natural information processing mechanisms, enabling the client to reprocess the traumatic memory in a new and adaptive way. As the client engages in the eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, associations, insights, and emotions may arise, leading to a gradual reduction in distress and the integration of new, more positive beliefs and perspectives.
Throughout the process, the therapist periodically checks in with the client, ensuring their emotional stability and providing support as needed. The sessions end with a closure phase to ensure there is time to debrief and that the client is in a relatively calm state before leaving the therapeutic setting.
Research on EMDR has shown promising results in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. Studies have demonstrated that EMDR can effectively reduce distressing symptoms and improve overall well-being.
It’s important to note that EMDR may not be suitable for everyone or every type of trauma. Each person’s experience and needs are unique, and a thorough assessment by a qualified mental health professional is necessary to determine if EMDR is the appropriate treatment approach. Additionally, EMDR is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapeutic modalities and support systems.
In conclusion, EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to heal trauma by reprocessing traumatic memories and integrating them into more adaptive narratives. Through the use of bilateral stimulation and guided recall of distressing memories, EMDR facilitates the brain’s natural healing processes, leading to a reduction in distressing symptoms and the promotion of psychological well-being.
If EMDR treatment interests you, book an appointment now to discuss this treatment option further.
