Exploring EMDR Therapy: A Revolutionary Approach to Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in the field of psychotherapy, offering hope and relief to individuals grappling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, and other distressing experiences and emotions. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since gained recognition for its effectiveness in helping people process and heal from traumatic memories and emotional wounds.
EMDR therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, whether it's from childhood abuse, accidents, combat, natural disasters, or other distressing life events. It is also effective for treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and other conditions rooted in past experiences such as panic attacks when hearing loud noises that may trigger memories of an abusive parent slamming doors or a gun going off. For BIPOC, QTBIPOC, and neurodivergent individuals seeking healing, culturally competent EMDR therapists will help navigate and overcome the effects of complex and intersecting traumas related to multiple aspects of their identities such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and systemic oppression. Whether it's someone with ADHD who experiences rejection sensitivity and deep shame when they forget an appointment due to memories of being judged by a teacher, or a trans person who experiences overwhelming anxiety about going on a long road trip due to an experience of having to use a public bathroom, EMDR can help clients manage their nervous system response so they can better safety plan, problem solve, or ask for support.
The foundational concept of EMDR is that disturbing experiences, particularly those resulting in trauma, can overwhelm the brain's natural processing abilities. As a result, these memories can become "stuck," contributing to ongoing emotional and psychological difficulties. EMDR aims to facilitate the brain's natural healing processes by guiding clients through the eight structured phases of treatment. While not strictly categorized as a somatic therapy, EMDR therapy does acknowledge the connection between mind and body. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR (such as eye movements or tapping) is believed to facilitate the brain's natural processing of memories and emotions, which can lead to changes in how the body responds to traumatic experiences. This aspect of EMDR can indirectly impact somatic experiences by helping individuals process and integrate their emotional and cognitive responses to trauma, so when you hear loud noises, your body is no longer transported back in time and reacting to a past experience. The memory will remain a memory allowing you to feel the discomfort but still be present in the moment.
Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy typically consists of eight phases:
History Taking: The therapist gathers information about the client's history and identifies targets (specific memories or issues) for treatment.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and teaches coping skills to manage emotional distress.
Assessment: The therapist identifies specific aspects of the targeted memory, often the most distressing parts, and associated negative beliefs.
Desensitization: The core phase of EMDR, where the client focuses on the targeted memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds) in order to reduce the level of distress.
Installation: Positive beliefs and emotions are strengthened to replace the negative beliefs associated with the memory.
Body Scan: The therapist ensures that the body is congruent with the reprocessed memory and the associated positive beliefs by checking for any residual body sensations.
Closure: Each session concludes with an opportunity to stabilize emotions and discuss any arising experiences.
Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist checks progress and addresses any remaining issues.
The effectiveness of EMDR therapy can vary based on individual circumstances, the nature of the issues being addressed, and the complexity of the trauma or psychological distress. Complex or multiple traumas may require more sessions compared to singular traumas. Factors such as readiness to confront trauma, available coping skills, and an ability to regulate emotions can influence how quickly progress is made. The presence of a supportive environment, including family, friends, and community, can contribute to the effectiveness of EMDR therapy by providing additional resources and stability. Besides trauma, if there are multiple difficulties such as depression, anxiety, addiction, or personality disorders, addressing these issues alongside trauma processing may extend the duration of therapy. Some individuals may experience positive change after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy, particularly for single-incident traumas or specific phobias. It's normal to want therapy to work quickly, or to judge yourself if things aren't progressing as quickly as you expected. Ultimately, your therapist can support you in giving yourself permission to go at whatever pace makes most sense for you and your nervous system.
If you think you might benefit from EMDR therapy, reach out to a trained therapist for a consultation call. At Nokdu, we currently have Ariadna Armenta, Gina Ali, and Jeffery Park ready to answer questions and help you determine if EMDR is right for you.
