Understanding EMDR Therapy

When it comes to trauma recovery, traditional talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been widely used. However, there is another form of therapy gaining recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other emotional challenges: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is a unique therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. In this article, we’ll explore what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and how it can help you recover from trauma and other emotional difficulties.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a structured, eight-phase approach designed to help individuals process distressing memories, thoughts, and emotions associated with trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapies that primarily focus on verbalizing thoughts, EMDR uses a combination of guided eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or hand buzzers) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. This process allows you to shift your emotional response to the memories, reducing their distress and allowing them to heal.

EMDR is based on the idea that trauma disrupts the brain’s natural ability to process information. When a person experiences a traumatic event, their brain may store the memory in an unprocessed, fragmented form. As a result, the emotional distress associated with the memory can continue to affect the individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors long after the event has passed. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and helps the individual integrate the experience into their life in a healthier way.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is structured into eight distinct phases, each serving a specific purpose in the healing process. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

1. History and Treatment Planning: In the first phase, the therapist conducts an assessment and gathers information about the client’s history, including their traumatic experiences, current symptoms, and goals for therapy. Together, the client and therapist identify which memories or events will be targeted in the EMDR process.
2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and helps the client develop skills for managing emotional distress that may arise during sessions. This may include relaxation techniques or grounding exercises. Building trust and establishing a sense of safety is key during this phase.
3. Assessment: In this phase, the therapist helps the client identify a specific target memory (or memories) to work on. The therapist will ask the client to recall the memory in detail, including associated thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. The client will also identify a negative belief about themselves related to the memory (e.g., “I am helpless”) and a positive belief they would like to replace it with (e.g., “I am in control”).
4. Desensitization: This is where the core of EMDR begins. The therapist uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping or handheld buzzers) to help the client reprocess the traumatic memory. While focusing on the memory, the client follows the therapist’s finger or another form of bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing the emotional charge attached to it. The client may experience new insights or perspectives as the memory is processed.
5. Installation: In this phase, the therapist helps the client replace the negative belief associated with the traumatic memory with a positive belief. For example, if the client had the belief “I am powerless,” they would work toward replacing it with “I am strong and capable.” The therapist encourages the client to focus on this positive belief while continuing to use bilateral stimulation.
6. Body Scan: The client is asked to pay attention to any physical sensations in their body related to the memory. If any tension or discomfort is felt, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to help release it. This phase ensures that the body’s response to the memory is fully processed, not just the cognitive and emotional aspects.
7. Closure: At the end of the session, the therapist helps the client return to a state of emotional equilibrium. This may involve grounding techniques or relaxation exercises. The therapist ensures that the client feels stable before leaving the session, especially if they have experienced intense emotions during the processing.
8. Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist checks in with the client to assess progress and determine whether the target memory has been fully processed. If any residual distress remains, the therapist may revisit the memory or move on to new memories. This phase ensures that the client’s healing continues and that progress is maintained.

How Does EMDR Work?

The exact mechanisms behind EMDR are still being researched. One theory is that EMDR helps facilitate the brain’s natural processing of memories by mimicking the eye movements that occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Another theory suggests that EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories by reducing their emotional intensity. EMDR intentionally exposes the client to traumatic memories in order to desensitize the memory and thereby reduce the intensity of the emotions elicited by the memory. By reprocessing the memories in a safe, controlled environment, clients can change their emotional responses to the memories, allowing them to view them with less distress and integrate the experiences in a healthier way. 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR has been extensively researched and shown to be effective for a variety of conditions, particularly trauma-related issues. Some of the key benefits of EMDR include:

• Effective for trauma recovery: EMDR is particularly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions, helping individuals process and heal from traumatic memories.
• Rapid results: Many people experience significant improvements in a relatively short amount of time, with some finding relief after just a few sessions.
• Reduced emotional distress: EMDR helps individuals process difficult emotions related to past experiences, reducing the emotional charge of traumatic memories and improving emotional regulation.
• Improved self-esteem: By replacing negative beliefs with positive ones, EMDR can help individuals build a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence.
• Applicable to other issues: While EMDR is known for its effectiveness in treating trauma, it has also been used to address anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other emotional struggles.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be a highly effective therapy for those struggling with trauma or emotional difficulties. If you are dealing with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other issues related to past trauma, EMDR may be a helpful treatment option. 

If you think EMDR could help you, please reach out. I’m an EMDR therapist in Des Moines, Iowa who specializes in this approach. I combine the use of EMDR with other modalities I’m trained in, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Healing from trauma is possible, and EMDR can be a transformative tool in your journey toward recovery.