It is not yet clear how EMDR Therapy works neuro-biologically. However, we know that when we are upset or experience a traumatic incident, our brain cannot process information as it normally does. Sometimes the moment of the incident that we feel threatened, humiliated, or endangered "freezes in time" in our memory, and remembering that incident may feel as bad as passing through it the first time because images, sounds, smells and feelings are "frozen" and have not been properly processed in our mind. These memories and recollections that have not been processed have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way we see the world and the way we relate to other people.
EMDR Therapy seems to have a direct effect on how the brain processes information. The normal processing of information is resumed ("thawing memory"), sometimes after an EMDR Therapy session, the burden and emotional disturbance of the images, sounds and feelings of traumatic event memory is reduced. Although we will still remember the incident, but that memory will be less disturbing. Many types of therapy such as Traumatic Incident Reduction have similar goals. However, EMDR Therapy seems to be similar to what occurs naturally during the sleep or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Thus, EMDR Therapy can be theorized as a physiologically based therapy that helps us see the disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. The purpose of EMDR Therapy is to help us liberate ourselves from the past and live a healthy and productive present.
EMDR Therapy seems to have a direct effect on how the brain processes information. The normal processing of information is resumed ("thawing memory"), sometimes after an EMDR Therapy session, the burden and emotional disturbance of the images, sounds and feelings of traumatic event memory is reduced. Although we will still remember the incident, but that memory will be less disturbing. Many types of therapy such as Traumatic Incident Reduction have similar goals. However, EMDR Therapy seems to be similar to what occurs naturally during the sleep or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Thus, EMDR Therapy can be theorized as a physiologically based therapy that helps us see the disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. The purpose of EMDR Therapy is to help us liberate ourselves from the past and live a healthy and productive present.
During EMDR therapy the therapist will assist the client in identifying a distressing event or negative belief that could be worked through the EMDR technique. The therapist will spend at least one session to determine if the problem or complaint presented is appropriate for the technique.
EMDR therapy is divided into 8 phases in which the memories of negative and traumatic events that contribute to the present problems are identified and processed. The eight phases of EMDR therapy include:
1. Take the history: Therapist and client review past events, current concerns and future needs, and identify the target events for processing.
2. Preparation: At this stage the therapist will explore the client's handling skills to cope with any distress that may arise during the desensitization phase. In this phase, relaxation skills are strengthened through visualization and/or breathing. At the same time techniques and strategies will be covered to provide the client with stabilization and self-control as needed.
3. Evaluation: In this phase the client begins to identify specific distressing memories, negative beliefs about himself in relation to that memory are evaluated and measured. Then a desirable positive belief is selected, and this belief is measured to determine how true that positive belief is to the client. It also records the physical symptoms and emotions connected with distressing memories.
4. Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation can be performed in the form of eye movements, tones or touches and is used to reprocess the distressing event. The therapist will stop the stimulation periodically to check the level of disturbance of the client.
5. Installation: The selected positive cognition is the objective of the bilateral stimulation in this phase. The therapist will check periodically to see how true the desired belief feels to the client.
6. Body scan: Any physical stress or residual anguish indicates that the event is not fully processed, and bilateral stimulation continues, if necessary.
7. Closing: This phase will occur at the end of a session, regardless of whether or not the memory is fully processed. A complete sequence of EMDR therapy can take several sessions, and it is important to achieve stabilization before the end of the session. The closure may include guided imagery, breathing exercises or a discussion of the session.
8. Reevaluation: The next session begins here, in order to assess and measure the level of disturbance and the accuracy of directed positive belief. If the goal remains unresolved, the session will resume with the desensitization until it reaches a resolution.
EMDR therapy is divided into 8 phases in which the memories of negative and traumatic events that contribute to the present problems are identified and processed. The eight phases of EMDR therapy include:
1. Take the history: Therapist and client review past events, current concerns and future needs, and identify the target events for processing.
2. Preparation: At this stage the therapist will explore the client's handling skills to cope with any distress that may arise during the desensitization phase. In this phase, relaxation skills are strengthened through visualization and/or breathing. At the same time techniques and strategies will be covered to provide the client with stabilization and self-control as needed.
3. Evaluation: In this phase the client begins to identify specific distressing memories, negative beliefs about himself in relation to that memory are evaluated and measured. Then a desirable positive belief is selected, and this belief is measured to determine how true that positive belief is to the client. It also records the physical symptoms and emotions connected with distressing memories.
4. Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation can be performed in the form of eye movements, tones or touches and is used to reprocess the distressing event. The therapist will stop the stimulation periodically to check the level of disturbance of the client.
5. Installation: The selected positive cognition is the objective of the bilateral stimulation in this phase. The therapist will check periodically to see how true the desired belief feels to the client.
6. Body scan: Any physical stress or residual anguish indicates that the event is not fully processed, and bilateral stimulation continues, if necessary.
7. Closing: This phase will occur at the end of a session, regardless of whether or not the memory is fully processed. A complete sequence of EMDR therapy can take several sessions, and it is important to achieve stabilization before the end of the session. The closure may include guided imagery, breathing exercises or a discussion of the session.
8. Reevaluation: The next session begins here, in order to assess and measure the level of disturbance and the accuracy of directed positive belief. If the goal remains unresolved, the session will resume with the desensitization until it reaches a resolution.
Who can benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is recognized as a treatment of trauma and PTSD.
- It can reduce the symptoms of fear for people suffering from phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
- It can reduce the symptoms of depression caused by disturbing life experiences.
- It can help with the disturbing memories in victims of crimes, sexual assault victims, victims of natural and man made disasters or in workers who deal with violence and crime like, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.
- It can help with the disturbing feelings from been incapacitated from an accident, surgery, or a severe burn.
- It can relieve excessive grief due to the death of a loved one or the feeling of guilt from witnessing the death.
- It can help with the negative thoughts, disturbing memories in people suffering from drug/chemical dependency, addictions, gambling. It can help in the recovery and it can decrease the chances of relapse.
Book an appointment with Irene M. Rodriguez, LMHC, REAT