Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a non-traditional but highly researched and effective method of psychotherapy that is proven to help people with trauma and distressing life situations (such as depression, anxiety and PTSD). It was created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s and has been considered a highly effective evidence-based treatment for trauma according to the American Psychiatric Association. This type of therapy is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic events and memories and target the root cause of distress and emotional pain.
Thinking of the brain as a computer: the computer takes in information, processes it, and stores it in its memory. When a virus enters the computer, it freezes and can’t process information normally. The memory replays on an endless loop that creates chaos and pain. Think of EMDR therapy as a reset to reconnect the wires in the right places to make the computer work perfectly again.
PTSD typically arises when a traumatic event occurs, the brain becomes so overwhelmed, that it cannot process what is happening. The memories of the event become frozen in time and return in a fragmented form, as flashbacks and nightmares with the sensory experiences that accompany the actual event. This gives the sense of the actual event happening again and again. EMDR therapy helps to process those frozen memories with the use of eye movement stimulation which promotes the brain to facilitate natural healing. I personally use a video of a green ball going back and forth on the computer screen with 528 Hz harmonic tones.
In a successful EMDR session, the intensity of the emotions attached to the original events is reduced and the meaning given to them is reprogrammed on an emotional level. Through eye movement, you are able to access those frozen memories, feel the emotions present, work through them and release them. Often EFT Tapping or meditation can be used during the sessions.
PROS of EMDR Therapy:
- EMDR does not require the client to go into the same level of detail about their trauma as other trauma therapies may require
- EMDR can bring about more symptom reduction than other forms of treatment
- It is often a faster and more results-based oriented treatment than other forms of psychotherapy
- Although it is highly known and researched for trauma treatment, this type of therapy can help other conditions in which disturbing memories play a part
- It can be a stand-alone treatment or used in conjunction with other types of therapies such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based, art therapy, talk therapy, etc.
CONS of EMDR Therapy:
- Unfortunately, it does not work for everyone: Typically it doesn’t work on people who are not ready to do the work and have dissociations, fears, or blockages in the way
- Some find this experimental therapy to be strange and non-traditional and don’t find interest in receiving this kind of treatment
What can EMDR help with?
- PTSD
- Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, phobias, GAD)
- Mood disorders (bipolar disorder or depression)
- Borderline personality disorder
- Chronic illness/medical issues
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Personality disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbances
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Violence and abuse
- Self Esteem/Confidence
If this therapy seems like something that you think would be able to help you on your journey, I would love to work with you! I offer virtual EMDR sessions.