EMDR Therapy
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy)
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an eight-phase psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1989 to address trauma in adults. EMDR utilizes eye movements, sound or pulsations to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. (This process is called “bi-lateral” stimulation.) Focusing on a distressful (or positive) experience along with bi-lateral stimulation, brings about changes in the brain, updating our neural networks with adaptive information. When completed, clients report feeling more present, connected and confident to enjoy positive experiences and handle difficult situations. Learn more at www.emdrtherapistnetwork.com
Here is another good handout which answers common questions about EMDR.
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/EMDR.pdf
Here is another good handout which answers common questions about EMDR.
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/EMDR.pdf
How Does EMDR work?
In EMDR, clients reconnect to past, stored memories that have some anxiety or feel disturbing to them. When someone experiences something traumatic, the memory can go unprocessed and often feels 'stuck'. The memory is stored in our brain with the original emotions, sensations, cognitions and feelings. When that past memory is activated, the experiences of the original trauma are triggered. EMDR allows clients to connect to their original memory for a brief period of time. The client is able to reprocess the trauma which decreases or neutralizes the distressing reaction to the memory. Once the memory is reprocessed, our innate adaptive information becomes available and linked. A client then pairs a positive cognition to past memory, while doing bilateral stimulation, strengthening one's positive natural resourcing. A client still has access to the memory but the feeling attached to the memory may change. People often report the details or intensity of the memory change or decrease after processing.
To briefly summarize, during a specific trauma or throughout attachment trauma, the experiences can be too overwhelming and the information-processing system gets blocked. It's as if the brain gets 'short circuited' and the memory remains unprocessed. EMDR therapy, as well as the therapist, create the conditions and environment to do now what one couldn't do at that time. Activating and reprocessing memory networks allows for your system to do the work, enhancing one's own natural healing capabilities. Traumatic memories don't necessarily become 'positive' during memory reprocessing. However, after reprocessing is complete, the story, distress or feeling attached to the memory changes. We can now talk about past or current memories with the appropriate and normal feelings without our nervous system going into distress. As one client put it, "I react much differently to things that use to bother or upset me. I feel more empowered, understanding and free. The memory doesn't live inside me any more. It feels like it is in the past and I am far from it".
To briefly summarize, during a specific trauma or throughout attachment trauma, the experiences can be too overwhelming and the information-processing system gets blocked. It's as if the brain gets 'short circuited' and the memory remains unprocessed. EMDR therapy, as well as the therapist, create the conditions and environment to do now what one couldn't do at that time. Activating and reprocessing memory networks allows for your system to do the work, enhancing one's own natural healing capabilities. Traumatic memories don't necessarily become 'positive' during memory reprocessing. However, after reprocessing is complete, the story, distress or feeling attached to the memory changes. We can now talk about past or current memories with the appropriate and normal feelings without our nervous system going into distress. As one client put it, "I react much differently to things that use to bother or upset me. I feel more empowered, understanding and free. The memory doesn't live inside me any more. It feels like it is in the past and I am far from it".
Who Benefits from EMDR?
EMDR is an effective therapeutic intervention for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, and phobias. It can also be used with other life stressors such as: grief/loss, infertility, pain management, career changes/advancements, cancer and other medical illnesses/traumas. Learn more about EMDR and some of these life stressors below.
EMDR Resources
PSA :EMDR Therapy.
Cancer and E.M.D.R: Expert Answers on E.M.D.R. with Dr. Shapiro
Anxiety and E.M.D.R: Expert Answers on E.M.D.R with Dr. Shapiro
Pain and E.M.D.R: Expert Answers on E.M.D.R. with Dr. Shapiro
Grief and E.M.D.R: Expert Answers on E.M.D.R. with Dr. Shapiro
Peak Performance and E.M.D.R: Expert Answers on E.M.D.R with Dr. Shapiro
How EMDR Opens a Window to the Brain by Francine Shapiro PhD.
Treating Trauma: Why EMDR Might Be Right For You by Anastasia Pollock LCMHC
FAQ about EMDR
E.M.D.R Institute, Inc.
E.M.D.R. International Association
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EMDR Video Testimonial (here)
Written Testimonial (here) *There is a good link at the bottom of this article on 'How EMDR works'.
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Bessel van der Kolk: Feeling through Trauma
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EMDR: How it Works- Click on the description below to watch video.
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Healing Trauma, Healing Humanity: Rolf Carriere at TEDxGroningen
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Here is a short video on EMDR and Trauma
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