What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy where therapists utilize bilateral stimulation via eye movement, tapping, and/or sound to assist in reprocessing experiences related to PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, and much more. By helping both sides of the brain communicate regarding distressing experiences, we are helping the brain store memories in a more adaptive way to continue on with daily life. This service can be provided both in-person and virtually.
“When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.” (EMDR Institute Inc., 2020)
There are 8 Phases to the work, where reprocessing is one of many! Each step is equally as important as the next.
Phase 1: This is a history-taking phase, where the therapist and client explore treatment planning and begin identifying memories.
Phase 2: The therapist works with the client to develop coping/grounding skills and safety planning (if necessary) in preparation for reprocessing. The client would only move to the proceeding phases once both the therapist and client believe the client has enough tools in their coping “toolbox”.
Phase 3-6: The client will work on creating a visual image of the memory selected. Then, once this image is solidified, the client will identify the negative cognition that is associated with the memory and a positive cognition that they would like to believe instead. Once this is completed, reprocessing will begin via bilateral stimulation. When distress has significantly reduced surrounding the memory and the positive cognition is installed, there is a body scan where the client will scan for any distressing/uncomfortable body sensations. Body scanning and bilateral stimulation will continue until there are no further uncomfortable sensations.
Phase 7 & 8: Closure of the memory happens, where the therapist and client will check in to reflect on progress. Then, in the following session, the therapist will follow up and assess and plan for upcoming sessions.
