What is EMDR?
In comparison to other strategies that aim to focus on modifying the feelings, thoughts and responses that have resulted from a stressful event, EMDR therapy aims to directly look at the memory while using bilateral stimulation. Its main intent is to change the way these memories are stored by our brain, hence relieving negative beliefs and reducing physiological arousal.
The EMDR session:
The Three Protocols:
Past Events: Stage of processing, which does not imply that the person would have to talk about the event itself but rather set a learning state that will allow them to “digest” and store that event.
Present Disturbance: Anything that currently causes distress that needs to be desensitized.
Future Actions: Setting new imaginal templates of the future to assist the individual in building new skills for adaptive functioning.
What is Bilateral Stimulation?
Bilateral Stimulation Basics:
Engages both sides of your brain at once, like a tennis ball moving back and forth across the court, activating each hemisphere alternately.
Methods of Bilateral Stimulation:
Eye Movement Stimulation: The most common method, involving following a moving light or object with your eyes.
Auditory Bilateral Stimulation: Uses sounds or tones that alternate between ears.
Tactile Bilateral Stimulation: Involves alternating taps or vibrations on the body.
Purpose in EMDR:
Helps to reduce the distress linked to traumatic events by balancing brain activity and processing the trauma more effectively.
The Effectiveness of EMDR:
Research backs EMDR's strong impact, especially for those grappling with anxiety. This therapy isn’t just effective for tackling trauma at its core, but it also offers lasting benefits.
However, let’s be transparent: Some critics compare EMDR to Prolonged Exposure Therapy, noting that both methods are rooted in similar principles. The key difference is EMDR’s use of bilateral stimulation. Interestingly, some studies suggest that even without this component, EMDR can still be effective.
Despite the debate, many people have shared remarkable stories of change through EMDR. For a deeper understanding of one’s personal experience with EMDR, we recommend delving into Chloe Daniels’s story about EMDR.
The Eight Phases of Treatment
From evaluating readiness to re-evaluating progress, each phase plays a pivotal role in the transformative process.
Phase 1: The therapist evaluates readiness and develops a plan, identifying distressing memories and present situations causing emotional distress. Adaptive skills and behaviors for the future are established.
Phase 2: The therapist ensures the individual has strategies for handling emotional distress.
Phase 3-6: Specific targets are addressed, including vivid visual images, negative beliefs/emotions, and body sensations. Positive beliefs are implemented. The individual focuses on the target while following the therapist's finger for 20 to 30 seconds, acknowledging any spontaneous occurrences. The therapist decides whether to repeat or stop based on the level of distress. If no distress, the individual relates the memory to a preferred positive belief for the next session.
Phase 7: "Closure" phase involves keeping a journal and implementing self-calming strategies.
Phase 8: Progress is re-evaluated, distressing triggers are discussed, and responses for future triggers are developed if needed.
Who Is EMDR Therapy Suitable For?
As we already mentioned, EMDR was developed and aimed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, it can be applied in a range of situations:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Grief
Self-Esteem Issues
Relationship Difficulties
Adverse Experiences and Unprocessed Trauma.
Who is EMDR Not Suitable For?
It is important to be mindful, as with every form of therapy when misused it can become re-traumatizing, including EMDR. In this case, it is suggested that people who are unable to reprocess their trauma or are experiencing mental distress due to heritable/accidental condition do not follow through with EMDR therapy.
This is why the EMDR therapist must give you an in-depth preparation, and understanding of what is to come and arm you with soothing strategies.
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