What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.” It is a therapeutic tool which is used to help individuals reprocess disturbing, traumatic material. EMDR has been subjected to numerous scientific studies showing positive results. When a person experiences a traumatic event, or is very upset, the brain cannot process information as it normally would in a non-traumatic situation. Because traumatic events overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, these events are placed in a holding center of the brain where, unfortunately, they are not exposed to our built-in healing processes. Present day reminders of these experiences often trigger a flashback of sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, body sensations, or emotions that can feel as intense as when first experienced. Such unresolved memories may have a profound negative impact on the way a person sees the world and relates to people. Under the influence of such unresolved experiences, behavior tends to become limited, inflexible, unforgiving and cautious to avoid painful re-experiencing.

EMDR works like a digestive process. We can think of trauma as undigested material stuck in our bodies, which does not feel good and at times feels terrible. EMDR stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal by dislodging and “digesting” the stuck material. Once processed, the memory of the trauma may remain, but it is no longer disturbing; it is no longer re-experienced over and over. It no longer interferes with our functioning and our relationships. The results are a reduction in the person’s distress, increasing the person’s confidence in his/her preferred belief system and the possibility of having better relationships, personally, socially and professionally. The person finds that new, more flexible behaviors feel possible and inviting. There is a new found sense of trust and safety that was missing before.

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation which means back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or sounds to stimulate the right side, then the left side of the body. Bilateral stimulation creates the ability for both sides of the brain to work together in an integrated way to heal traumatic material.

I Haven’t Had Any Trauma. Are There Other Uses for EMDR?

Trauma comes in many forms. Trauma is any event that has had a lasting negative effect. EMDR is now used for a variety of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, relieving phobias, such as fear of flying, fear of heights and is also used for pain control, eating disorders, and helping to overcome addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking.

What Will Happen in an EMDR Session?

Your therapist will take a history and gather information to ensure optimum results. You and your therapist may spend a few sessions gathering history prior to engaging in the actual EMDR work. You and your therapist will work together to determine the appropriate targets (there is often more than one target for EMDR). The therapist will help you to develop coping skills to deal with upsetting material that may arise during the process and will help you deal with any feelings of fear and vulnerability that may arise related to the “target” issue. You will be guided to form a positive thought and feeling to replace the negative ones associated with the target. When you feel ready, the processing will begin. The therapist may have you follow her fingers back and forth with your eyes while focusing on the target, or may use tappers that are held in your hands. The tappers will vibrate back and forth from one hand to the other. This is bilateral stimulation where the opposite sides of the brain are being stimulated alternately to reprocess the disturbing material. This is what appears to get the old stuff unstuck. When your brain has reprocessed and desensitized the target (when it is no longer disturbing), you will be directed to focus on a positive thought to replace the negative one, and this positive thought will be installed or strengthened into your information processing, so that when you remember the disturbing material, it will no longer trigger a negative response.

How Long Does EMDR Take?

The amount of time for EMDR varies from person to person. Some individuals get complete relief in as few as 3 sessions; some require up to 20 or even more depending on the severity of the target and the receptivity of the individual. Most clients find relief sooner rather than later.

Can Anyone Learn to do EMDR?

No. The EMDR Institute trains only mental health professionals with at least a Master’s level degree. This includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Marriage and Family Therapists. The therapist must have completed at least one level of the EMDR training to be able to perform it with clients. EMDR has been taught to, and is being used by, professionals all over the world.