EMDR Therapy: The power of reprocessing traumatic memories to change how you see yourself, others, and the world.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 for the treatment of PTSD. It is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that the human brain has an intrinsic capacity to self-heal. Just like when we get a cut or a scrape and our body naturally sends out white blood cells to prevent infection, our minds also have the ability to self-heal all on their own. So, why then do some individuals recover from trauma, while others develop PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other symptoms? The AIP model suggests that in some cases, healing becomes blocked when traumatic memories are stored in maladaptive neural networks in the brain, that keep us continuously thinking of them in a negative light and block natural healing. EMDR builds a bridge between the negative neural network where the memory is stored, and the more adaptive neural networks inside out minds. Through EMDR, the traumatic memory is moved outside of the maladaptive neural network into another part of the brain, in which more adaptive thinking is possible. At the end of EMDR therapy, clients experience a decrease in distress and an increase in their belief in positive self-image and self-efficacy. Individuals are able to recall traumatic memories with little to no distress, and the negative beliefs previously associated with these memories dissolve and are replaced by more positive ones.

What can I expect if I try EMDR?

EMDR follows an 8-phase treatment protocol. In the initial phases of treatment, the therapist guides the client through specific self-regulation strategies to ensure they can tolerate thinking about challenging experiences, and will not become overwhelmed during treatment. Once the client is able to use their coping skills effectively, the reprocessing phases of EMDR can begin. During reprocessing, the therapist will use bilateral stimulation (BLS) through eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues to help the client reprocess the distressing events. BLS through eye movement occurs naturally during REM sleep, when our eyes dart rapidly from side to side. REM sleep is the stage of the sleep cycle that plays a critical role in memory consolidation, brain development, and emotional processing. Just like during REM sleep, the BLS used in EMDR therapy is the primary mechanism of change, allowing the individual receiving treatment to reconstruct how they think about previously distressing events.

Would EMDR therapy help me?

EMDR was initially created for the treatment of trauma and PTSD, but has since been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental health concerns including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, and self-esteem issues. If you are struggling with symptoms you feel may be linked to past traumas, challenging experiences, or deeply rooted negative beliefs about yourself, EMDR may be an effective treatment approach for you.