What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR is a trauma therapy that works directly with the body and the brain to re-organize and re-process traumatic memories. Trauma disorganizes the body and overwhelms the brain. It often leaves us feeling disconnected and chronically in fight, flight, or freeze mode. Using bi-lateral stimulation and a carefully constructed protocol, clients are guided through treatment to better process their traumatic memories so that the body no longer feels like it's living in that memory.
This concise explanation of EMDR and its benefits is taken directly from EMDRIA (https://www.emdria.org/page/119):
"No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works, neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way."
Is EMDR effective?
The American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies have recognized EMDR as an effective and efficient modality for treating trauma.
Bisson, J., Roberts, N.P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R. & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
Davidson, P.R., & Parker, K.C.H. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69, 305-316.
Maxfield, L., & Hyer, L.A. (2002). The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58, 23-41
What is bi-lateral stimulation?
Bi-lateral stimulation, simply put, is any sensory input (visual, auditory, or tactile) that occurs rhythmically and in a left-right pattern. EMDR can be conducted using eye movement, bi-lateral acoustics, or hand-held buzzers. EMDR can also be conducted in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practices.
*If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, EMDR might be able to help you move through it. Please feel free to reach out to me to talk more about EMDR and if it is suitable for you.*
EMDR is a trauma therapy that works directly with the body and the brain to re-organize and re-process traumatic memories. Trauma disorganizes the body and overwhelms the brain. It often leaves us feeling disconnected and chronically in fight, flight, or freeze mode. Using bi-lateral stimulation and a carefully constructed protocol, clients are guided through treatment to better process their traumatic memories so that the body no longer feels like it's living in that memory.
This concise explanation of EMDR and its benefits is taken directly from EMDRIA (https://www.emdria.org/page/119):
"No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works, neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way."
Is EMDR effective?
The American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies have recognized EMDR as an effective and efficient modality for treating trauma.
Bisson, J., Roberts, N.P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R. & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
Davidson, P.R., & Parker, K.C.H. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69, 305-316.
Maxfield, L., & Hyer, L.A. (2002). The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58, 23-41
What is bi-lateral stimulation?
Bi-lateral stimulation, simply put, is any sensory input (visual, auditory, or tactile) that occurs rhythmically and in a left-right pattern. EMDR can be conducted using eye movement, bi-lateral acoustics, or hand-held buzzers. EMDR can also be conducted in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practices.
*If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, EMDR might be able to help you move through it. Please feel free to reach out to me to talk more about EMDR and if it is suitable for you.*