Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
I am a certified EMDR therapist by EMDRIA (an international organization for EMDR) and use it regularly in my practice.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and many other mental health problems.
EMDR uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to assist clients in processing distressing memories and beliefs.
About EMDR
EMDR was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro to help people who have survived traumatic events.
The EMDR International Association describes EMDR as a “physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.” EMDR seems to directly affect brain functioning. Nonetheless, how it works exactly is not known.
It’s believed that EMDR is similar to what happens during dream or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Only, during EMDR session you are fully conscience and aware of the process.
When we are very upset, our brains do not function normally. disturbing events can become “frozen in time.” When we remember that event it can feel as bad as the first time it happened because the images and sensory information attached to the memory have not changed. This lack of processing the memory can affect how we relate to the world, and can limit our ability to enjoy life.
EMDR Applications
Currently, EMDR protocols are used to help with variety of symptoms and disorders, such as:
phobias, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,
depression, excessive grief;
chemical dependency, sexual deviation/addiction, pathological gambling;
somatic problems/somatoform disorders, including migraines, chronic pain, phantom limb pain, chronic eczema, gastrointestinal problems, CFS, psychogenic seizures,
eating disorders, and negative body image;
it helped people with performance anxiety or deficits in school, business, performing arts, and sport who have benefited from EMDR as a tool to help enhance performance.
Reed more about EMDR Evaluated Clinical Applications
Bi-lateral stimulation
During EMDR process we use bi-lateral stimulation. We can use eye movement, sound or tactile stimulation. Bi-lateral stimulation aids memory processing by keeping our attention in the present, instead of fully re-experiencing the memory. That “teaches” our brain that the event is a memory and could be “digested” and “filed away” appropriately.
EMDR session
During EMDR session, I will ask you to think about events that still make you hurt emotionally. As you recall all the sensory, emotional and cognitive elements of the event, I guide you through a set of eye movements or other chosen bi-lateral stimulation.
That process leads to a new experience and understanding of the original event. Your feelings about it may seem to become unglued from the event and you may feel detached from it. Processing the event can bring up intense feelings. Generally by the end of the session, you feel less upset by the event and see it differently.
Everyone has a different experience of EMDR; it's a fluid process and the client doesn't need to worry about doing it "wrong."
If you have a heart condition, epilepsy or are pregnant, EMDR is not a good idea. There are many other ways to process past traumatic experiences, if for any reason EMDR would not be the choice.