How Does EMDR Work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique, evidence-based therapeutic technique that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing life events. EMDR has recently gained recognition as a highly effective treatment for trauma conditions. But how exactly does it work?
The Basics of EMDR
EMDR operates on the assumption that unprocessed memories of traumatic events can become stuck in the brain, causing emotional distress and negative behaviors. By engaging the brain's natural healing processes, EMDR helps to reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional hold on the mind and helping people move forward.
Key elements of EMDR include:
Bilateral Stimulation: This involves rhythmic, back-and-forth movements or sounds, such as continuing eye movements, taps, or auditory tones.
Target Memory Recall: The therapy focuses on a specific traumatic memory or distressing thought.
Cognitive Restructuring: EMDR aims to replace negative beliefs associated with the trauma with more positive and empowering ones.
Step-By-Step of EMDR
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol, each having a specific structure to guide the client through the healing process in a safe manner.
Phase 1: History-Taking and Treatment Planning
The therapist gathers a comprehensive history of the client's life and identifies target memories for reprocessing. This phase helps set the groundwork for effective therapy.
The therapist assesses the client's readiness for EMDR.
Target memories may include past traumatic events, present triggers, and future fears.
Phase 2: Preparation
In this phase, the therapist ensures the client feels safe and has the tools to handle the emotional intensity of EMDR.
Clients learn relaxation and coping techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization exercises.
The therapist explains the EMDR process, building trust and reducing anxiety about the therapy.
Phase 3: Assessment
The target memory is identified and broken down into its components: visual imagery, negative beliefs, emotions, and bodily sensations.
The client selects a negative belief connected to the memory (ex: "I am worthless.").
A positive belief is chosen as the goal for reprocessing (ex: "I am worthy.").
Phase 4: Desensitization
This is the core phase where bilateral stimulation will begin. While focusing on the target memory, the client engages in side-to-side eye movements or other forms of physical stimulation.
The stimulation helps the brain process the memory and integrates it in a less distressing way.
Additionally, the therapist periodically asks the client to describe their thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations, allowing the memory to evolve naturally.
Phase 5: Installation
The focus then shifts to reinforcing the positive belief that was set earlier. The therapist continues bilateral stimulation while the client concentrates on this empowering thought.
This phase strengthens the new, positive association with the memory.
Clients often feel a sense of resolution and relief during this phase.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The therapist guides the client to focus on their body and identify any lingering tension or discomfort.
If the client still feels any residual tension, further reprocessing is done.
This ensures the memory has full integration on a physical, emotional, and cognitive level.
Phase 7: Closure
At the end of a session, the therapist makes sure the client feels safe.
Relaxation techniques help stabilize emotions.
The therapist provides strategies for managing any distress that may arise between sessions.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Throughout multiple sessions, the therapist evaluates progress and determines whether additional work is needed on a memory.
The therapist assesses if the client's negative beliefs have been taken over by positive ones.
If new target memories surface, they will be addressed in future sessions.
Is EMDR Right For You?
If you're considering EMDR treatment, it's important to work with a mental health professional who can effectively guide you through the process. While EMDR has tremendous benefits, it's not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. A thorough assessment will help determine whether it's the right approach for your needs. Reach out to schedule an initial assessment today.
