What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an evidenced-based form of trauma therapy that can help you go beyond the cognitive understanding of a traumatic event(s) to find healing on a body and emotional level. EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in detail, instead it targets your emotions and physical responses to shift your distressing memories to leave the past in the past. EMDR is different than traditional talk therapy, though it does integrate well with talk therapies.
If you spend too much time overthinking and in your thoughts, and not enough time connected to your body, you may benefit from a somatic form of therapy like EMDR.
Trauma and anxiety makes it difficult for individuals to regulate their nervous system, which can make it feel like you are in a state of constant threat or danger. Here at Revitalize Wellness Counseling we utilize body-based therapy techniques, like EMDR, to focus on calming your nervous system so that you can find a place of safety in your mind and body, which can allow you to feel greater clarity and connection to yourself, your emotions, and the world around you.
Just like with any therapy technique, EMDR processing can activate strong emotions, which can be difficult to sit with—particularly if you have been pushing them away for a long period of time. Your therapist will focus on making sure you stay grounded throughout the process so those emotions do not become too overwhelming. EMDR therapy helps you navigate through your distressing emotions instead of continuing to bury or ignoring them.
How does EMDR work and what is the process?
Below is a step by step guide of what you can expect with EMDR therapy.
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The first phase of EMDR involves establishing rapport and assessing your emotional health. This is where we will discuss your history and any goals you have for treatment. Your therapist will assess your current emotional state and identify potential triggers in order to establish the best treatment plan.
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The second phase helps you prepare for EMDR processing and allow you to become more grounded and stable. Depending on your needs and emotional grounding ability, this phase can take anywhere from one session to multiple sessions.
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In the third phase of EMDR you will collaborate with your therapist to determine what you hope to achieve through EMDR therapy. Your therapist will help you to identify any distressing memories, negative beliefs, or triggering points that could be causing distress. This phase helps your therapist determine if EMDR is appropriate at this time.
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The fourth phase in EMDR therapy is the bulk of processing. This is where your therapist will cue your brain and body in focused sets of bi-lateral movements—including eye movements, tapping, or audio sounds. Through the bi-lateral movements the goal is to help you reach a state of calm where you can begin to process your emotional stress without feeling overwhelmed. While following the bi-lateral movements you will focus on the target memories that were determined in the previous phase. This is done to allow you to decrease the influence of difficult memories and sensations.
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In the fifth phase of EMDR your therapist will help you install new positive beliefs and associations. This is where you will learn how to integrate more positive self-beliefs in order to reduce stressors and provide you with a new perspective in dealing with challenging future events.
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In phase six you will complete a body scan. This phase is meant to help you process and identify changes in your physical and emotional reactions to the target memory. This is where you can also assess for any lingering physical and emotional distress.
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Closure and Debriefing is focused on helping you return to a state of equilibrium. You may review coping, self-regulation skills, and/or self care.
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The reevaluation phase will be conducted at your next session following EMDR processing. In this phase you will review your symptoms to help determine the impact EMDR has had. You will review progress made and identify if any new targets need to be addressed.
If you want to learn more, or are interested in setting up your first appointment follow this link and fill out the contact form.
Disclaimer:
⚠️ The content on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes ONLY and should NOT be considered a substitute for personal professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading these posts does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
If you are currently in crisis, experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, or are in need of immediate support, please call 911 or contact a crisis line such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.) or access your local emergency services.
These blog posts are written to explore topics like trauma, religious deconstruction, identity development, and mental wellness in a thoughtful and compassionate way. They may (or may not) resonate deeply, especially for those healing from complex trauma, but they are NOT meant to replace individualized therapy or medical care.
