EMDR
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980's, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured therapy where the client recalls a target memory and, with the guidance of the therapist, identifies the negative cognition (thought) of self while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (side-to-side visual, auditory and/or tactile stimuli) to reprocess the event.
Through the reprocessing experience, maladaptive beliefs, emotions, and or physical body sensations become better integrated in the subcortical brain and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) becomes less reactive to the event or memory. Clients often experience a positive restructuring in their thoughts and beliefs, a more healthy and desensitized emotional impact on self, and retain more regulated nervous system states. EMDR is widely recognized as one of the most empirically supported treatments for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).​​​
What to expect in an EMDR session
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History Taking, Preparation and Assessment: The therapist gathers information about the client's history and prepares them for the process. Together the client and therapist determine which issue(s) to address with EMDR.
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Desensitization: The client focuses on a traumatic memory while receiving bilateral stimulation which helps access the subcortical areas of the brain and process the memory in a new way.
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Installation: Positive beliefs and thoughts are reinforced while the client continues to process the memory.
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Body Scan: The client identifies any residual physical tension related to the memory and addresses it through further bilateral stimulation if necessary.
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Closure and Reevaluation: The session ends with techniques to ensure the client feels stable and the progress is evaluated in subsequent sessions.
Benefits of EMDR
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Reduction of Symptoms: EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, chronic pain, and PTSD.
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Quick Results: Clients can experience rapid improvements, even within a few sessions.
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Improved Emotional Regulation: Clients often find they can manage their emotions more effectively after EMDR therapy.
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Enhanced Cognitive Processing: EMDR helps clients reframe negative thoughts associated with traumatic events into more adaptive, positive beliefs.
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Holistic Healing: It addresses the root cause of both emotional and physical responses to adverse life experiences and or trauma; promoting overall well-being.
Learn more about EMDR here https://www.emdria.org/
Introduction to EMDR
How to prepare for a telehealth EMDR session