EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
What is EMDR?
Think about your brain as a filing system. Most of our experiences get stored away in the filing system properly. But sometimes, traumatic, stressful, or even embarrassing moments, can get “stuck” and don’t file away properly.
When these adverse experiences get stuck, your brain keeps reacting like the moment is still happening so we keep feeling triggered over and over again.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a way to help your brain ‘unstick' these moments.
How/Why does it work?
The “unsticking” happens when the therapist asks the client to briefly think about the stressful memory while doing something neutral that keeps your brain moving, like following the light on a light bar with your eyes in your therapist’s office or watching a dot go back and forth across your computer screen if you’re doing EMDR virtually.
Bilateral stimulation, especially eye movements, seem to unlock the brain’s processing system. The BLS used in EMDR reprocessing, allows your brain to process the experience so it can be stored away in the filing system properly, without so much emotional intensity.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, check out the EMDR International Association at EMDRIA.org. It’s a great resource!
How is it done virtually?
EMDR can be done virtually! For this to work, the client needs to have a screen big enough for the eye movements to be effective. A computer screen is sufficient but a phone screen is too small.
Therapists use different tools to administer the BLS but one popular option is to use a website that administers the eye movements. The therapist controls the eye movements on their side and the client sees a dot moving back and forth across their computer screen.
At Light the Way, our EMDR‑informed counseling helps people move through life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
Instead of dwelling endlessly on the past, EMDR uses targeted techniques to help your mind process what’s been overwhelming.
Our therapists are committed to helping you understand what’s getting in the way and empowering you to live more of the life you want.
What does EMDR look like in therapy?
EMDR has 8 phases:
History and
Treatment Planning:
In this phase the client’s history is discussed as well as their current concerns. This is also when the therapist and client will collaboratively create a treatment plan and identify “target memories” for reprocessing in phase 4.
Preparation:
This is when EMDR is explained more fully and when safety and trust continues to be established between the client and therapist. This phase is also where the client will be taught specific coping and stabilization techniques. The preparation phase looks a little different for everyone. For example, someone who experiences dissociation will have a longer preparation phase than someone who doesn’t.
Assessment:
Here, the client will identify an image, negative belief, emotions, level of distress, and physical sensations associated with the target memory being addressed.
Desensitization:
This is the phase in which the target memory is reprocessed using bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS is most often in the form of eye movements but may also be tapping or sounds.
Installation:
During this phase, more adaptive, positive beliefs about yourself associated with the memory are strengthened.
Body Scan:
Here the client will be asked to check for and process any uncomfortable or unusual sensations they might be experiencing.
Closure:
In this phase the therapist ensures the client returns to a stable state and provides the client with strategies for managing distress that comes up between sessions if needed.
Reevaluation:
At the next session, the effects of the previous processing session are assessed.
Our EMDR sessions are great for people struggling with issues like:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Childhood trauma
Relationship trauma
Low self-esteem
Emotional triggers
Distressing memories
Phobias and fears
Stress and overwhelm
Difficult life experiences
People in our EMDR sessions can experience these benefits:
More emotional calm
Greater self-confidence
Fewer triggers
Better coping skills
Less anxiety and stress
Healing from past wounds
Greater sense of control
More peace and hope