If you haven’t heard of EMDR, you aren’t alone. There are many approaches to treating mental health conditions, and EMDR is only one of many. Even if you have heard of it, you might not fully understand what EMDR is and how it can help.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a science-backed approach to therapy based on what we understand about the human brain. It was initially founded in the 1980s to help address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), also called trauma.

When we sleep, our bodies eventually enter a state called REM, or rapid eye movement. This sleep state is primarily the time when we dream and process memories. During this state, the eyes rapidly move back and forth. The foundation of EMDR is based on these eye movements.

How Does EMDR Work?

When someone is going through a traumatic experience, it activates the flight-or-fight response. During this time, the brain actively protects you from the experience. Later, as memories of it are recalled, the “full picture” isn’t there because the brain filters certain aspects out. The complete picture is still there; it is essentially hidden from being accessed.

EMDR works by utilizing the idea of recalling memories during the stage of REM with specific eye movements. Starting anything new can be intimidating, so let’s discuss what to expect in EMDR therapy.

Stages of EMDR

PHASE 1

The first phase is to sit down with an EMDR therapist and open up the discussion about a traumatic experience causing the most stress.

PHASE 2

The second phase is called preparation. You will now receive an explanation of what happens during EMDR sessions. In this phase, your therapist will teach you relaxation techniques to help you during and after sessions.

PHASE 3

The third stage is the assessment phase. During this time, you can share negative beliefs about yourself and the traumatic experience that you may have. From there, we also discover if any pain or discomfort you feel is tied to the memory, such as emotional or physical pain. After that, we’ll work to come up with positive thoughts to replace the negative ones eventually.

PHASE 4

Part four of EMDR is where the actual desensitization begins. We use bilateral stimulation during this stage, asking you to move your eyes from left to right in a repeated pattern. Alternatively, tapping your right hand or left hand may be done.

As you complete the movements, you’ll focus on the negative images or thoughts you want to move forward from. During this stage, it’s common for someone to recall parts of the traumatic experience that they didn’t remember previously. Whether that is a sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch sensation, it’s important to let your therapist know when this occurs. You can focus on that if it needs reprocessing in a later phase.

PHASE 5

Phase five is called installation. During this time, we work to replace the negative thoughts with the positive ones we identified before. In this phase, any new memories discovered in part four are processed with bilateral stimulation.

PHASE 6

The sixth phase involves a body scan. You are asked to describe what you are feeling as you recall the negative memory. The goal of EMDR isn’t to make someone forget about the traumatic experience; instead, it is to decrease the stress it causes you.

PHASE 7

Phase 7, the closure stage, is conducted at the end of each session. This is where you will practice relaxation techniques to ensure you feel safe and calm when leaving the office.

PHASE 8

Phase 8, the reevaluation stage, begins a new session. During this time, you will discuss whether you want to continue targeting the same memory or start with a new one.

How Long Does EMDR Take?

You might also be curious about how long EMDR takes. There is no concrete answer we can reasonably give for that. Everyone is different, so it depends on the person. We can say that it will be done quicker than traditional talk therapy.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR or trauma therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to ask any remaining questions you may have.

Schedule a FREE Consultation and discover whether EDMR is a right for you.