EMDR
EMDR for Trauma
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective trauma therapy that uses the brain’s natural ability to heal in order to process — and no longer be distressed by — trauma.
When someone experiences a trauma, that traumatic memory (or set of memories) is generally kept in short term memory storage, where it can be more easily remembered (triggered). A trigger can be anything from a smell to a situation similar to one in which the trauma occurred. Our brains do this as a protective measure, to prepare us for further danger. Unfortunately, this usually backfires once the danger has passed, and, instead, can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and other physical reactions.
EMDR helps move the trauma memories into long term memory storage, where they no longer have the power to cause distress. The past truly becomes the past. Through EMDR we are able to remember the trauma but understand — both consciously and neurologically — that the danger is over. Suddenly, the world becomes full of possibility, and we are free to lead lives in the here and now without fear.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by activating both sides of the brain through guided eye movements, alternating tones in each ear, or vibrating “tappers” held in each hand. This is called bilateral stimulation (BLS). This technique allows you to revisit memories of the past while staying firmly grounded in the present, thus accessing the traumatic memory during the session without being engulfed by it.
During REM sleep, our brains naturally engage in alternating eye movements, which help us integrate and file away memories. By prompting the brain to engage in this process while awake during therapy, BLS mimics this process to integrate traumatic memories into long term storage, where they can no longer cause disturbance.
What can I expect in an EMDR session?
As with all therapy, EMDR looks different for every individual. In general, before beginning EMDR, we begin with a thorough assessment to make sure the treatment is a good fit for your needs, taking into account the nature of the trauma, the timeline (past, present, or both), your symptoms, and your goals. If we decide not to proceed with EMDR, there are other options for our work together.
In an EMDR session we’ll target specific traumatic memories (and the negative beliefs you have about yourself because of them) and use BLS to eliminate the disturbance caused by each memory. Once we start with a memory, I will move my hand back and forth in front of you for your eyes to follow for a short period of time. This movement is the bilateral stimulation (BLS) that activates both sides of the brain. (For virtual EMDR, we’ll use a website that prompts you to follow a dot that moves back and forth across your screen.)
The BLS lasts for a short period of time, after which I will check in with you. We will check in between each set of BLS movements, until the memory no longer causes a disturbance. At that point, we’ll use BLS to reinforce a positive belief you’d like to have about yourself in relation to the trauma that will help you reduce shame and move forward.
What can EMDR be used for?
EMDR was created to address trauma, but it can also be used to address a variety of challenges. It’s also important to note that trauma is a nuanced concept, and experiences do not need to meet specific criteria in order to “count” as trauma. If you feel strongly impacted by an event in a distressing way — no matter what the event was — then we will approach it as trauma.
EMDR can be used for:
- Trauma/PTSD (all types of trauma)
- Anxiety and Panic
- Depression
- Phobias
- Performance Anxiety
What makes EMDR different from other trauma therapies?
Other common trauma therapies, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), emphasize changing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by reliving and discussing the trauma in detail to desensitize yourself to it. It also requires weekly homework, can take a long time to provide relief, and has a high dropout rate.
EMDR, on the other hand, goes right to the source — to the trauma itself. And instead of working around the trauma with ongoing exposure, EMDR uses your brain’s natural capacity to heal. It does not require talking about the trauma in detail, and it works fairly quickly. Some people experience relief in just a few sessions, and no homework is required.
This sounds a little hokey; is it legit?
Yes! EMDR has been extensively researched, and is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and other national and international organizations.
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415-935-0947
laura@lauradesantistherapy.com
San Francisco, CA