What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps clients process distressing emotions related to traumatic experiences. First developed in 1987 to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) EMDR has since evolved and is now used for a variety of trauma-related issues, including anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others (American Psychological Association, n.d; EMDR.com, n.d).
How Does EMDR Work?
An analogy for EMDR therapy can be found in the movie Inside Out, when the memory orbs fall off the wall, and one of the characters begins to carefully place them back in their proper order. Just as the character restores the memories to their rightful places, EMDR therapy helps reprocess and reorganize traumatic memories that are difficult to make sense of. Unlike traditional therapies, EMDR directly targets how these memories are stored in the brain, helping to shift negative associations and beliefs tied to the trauma. This process enables the elimination of unwanted symptoms by reworking the memory’s emotional impact.
Each session typically lasts 60 minutes and begins with the client recalling the traumatic event to identify key memories. Once these memories are pinpointed, the client rates how true the associated beliefs feel, using a scale to measure their emotional intensity (American Psychological Association, n.d.). Next, the client rates how distressing the memories are. The therapy proceeds with the client addressing the negative beliefs connected to the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which commonly involves eye movements, tapping, or sound (EMDR International Association, n.d.). These stimulations are brief, lasting only a few seconds before a break is taken. During the break, the client reflects on any new memories, thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations that arise. This cycle continues until the client feels desensitized to the memory. Before concluding the session, the therapist may guide the client through a body scan to identify any lingering sensations or disturbances. If the memory is not fully processed by the end of the session, a containment exercise is often used to help the client manage any remaining emotional charge. Subsequent sessions typically follow a similar structure, beginning with the exploration of new memories or insights uncovered since the last session.
How Does EMDR Help With Trauma Recovery?
EMDR therapy has been shown to be highly effective in trauma recovery, addressing key areas such as memory processing, emotional distress reduction, and the promotion of emotional regulation. This approach has proven beneficial for a wide range of traumatic experiences, both past and present, by helping individuals process distressing memories and shift negative emotional patterns. EMDR has been found to aid recovery from various types of trauma, including experiences of violence, assault, military-related trauma, natural disasters (such as fires and health crises), attachment issues, death, and discrimination (Choice Point Psychological, 2023). While this list is not exhaustive, any form of significant emotional distress or trauma, regardless of its nature, may benefit from EMDR therapy. It offers a valuable tool for individuals seeking to heal from painful events, making it worth exploring as part of a comprehensive trauma recovery plan.
EMDR is unique in memory processing because it uses the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model helps in trauma recovery by targeting how the brain organizes memories as distressing. This is important because it is believed that distressing memories can continue to be triggered in the present day, causing emotional and physical reactions that mirror the trauma. For example, individuals may experience emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations related to the traumatic memory. While there is ongoing debate about whether bilateral stimulation should solely rely on eye movements, it is common for therapists to use the type of bilateral stimulation that works best for the client. Depending on the distress level of the memory, eye movements may not be as effective, and alternative methods like tapping or buzzers may be used (EMDR.com, n.d).
Research shows that EMDR therapy is effective not only in reducing emotional distress but also in encouraging emotional regulation. Many individuals who have experienced trauma struggle with continuous anxiety, negative thoughts, and panic attacks. For some, there is a fear of being triggered by present-day situations that resemble past traumatic events. After processing memories through EMDR, clients often report a significant reduction in rumination and obsessive thoughts related to the trauma. Moreover, some clients express feeling empowered over their anxieties, as they learn to address and process the emotions tied to those traumatic experiences (Choice Point Psychological, 2023). Emotional regulation is a key outcome of EMDR therapy. When trauma is suppressed, it can lead to emotional blockages that make it difficult to express or manage emotions. Through EMDR, clients are encouraged to acknowledge and process the emotions and physical sensations associated with traumatic memories, fostering emotional flexibility and resilience (Psychology Today, 2022).
An Evidence-Based Approach
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, with numerous studies demonstrating its efficacy. Research consistently shows significant reductions in distressing symptoms, with some clients reporting positive changes after only a few sessions (Muench & Kappes, 2018). Clients commonly experience a decrease in anxiety, flashbacks, and fears surrounding traumatic events. Furthermore, EMDR has been found to be more effective than other therapeutic interventions for treating PTSD (Muench & Kappes, 2018).
How Journey Psychology Can Help
At Journey Psychology, we specialize in EMDR therapy and are committed to supporting individuals on their healing journey. We recognize that trauma is deeply personal, and we work closely with clients to create a safe, compassionate, and professional space for recovery. Whether dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or other distressing emotions, we customize each session to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Our experienced and trained EMDR therapists have extensive experience helping clients process trauma effectively. We understand how trauma impacts all areas of life and strive to guide clients toward emotional healing. While EMDR therapy is a key tool in our practice, we also incorporate other therapeutic techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and psychoeducation, to support your recovery. If you are ready to begin your healing journey, Journey Psychology is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you through EMDR therapy.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for PTSD. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-
guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
EMDR International Association. (n.d.). Experiencing EMDR therapy.
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/experiencing-emdr-therapy/
EMDR.com. (2022). What is EMDR? https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
Psychology Today. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-therapy
Choice Point Psychological. (2023). The benefits of EMDR therapy for trauma: What
you need to know. https://choicepointpsychological.ca/the-benefits-of-emdr-therapy-for-trauma-what-you-need-to-know
Muench, J., & Kappes, C. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
therapy in the treatment of trauma: A meta-analysis. National Institutes of Health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5997931/#:~:text=Both%20meta%2Danalyses%20demonstrated%20the,et%20al.%2C%202015
