Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is EMDR? EMDR is used to treat traumatic experiences. “EM” is stands for Eye Movement, “D” stands for Desensitization, and “R” stands for Reprocessing. For EM, you may watch a programmed light source or your therapist’s hand as they move it right to left, providing bi-lateral alternating stimulation (BLS). BLS may also be implemented by tapping or using “buzzers” that you hold in your hands. After the emotional connection to an event is severed through Desensitization, the Reprocessing replaces the unhealthy, negative belief associated with your traumatic memory with a healthier, positive, functional belief. When completed, your memory of the trauma remains as an event, but your memory no longer holds the emotional disturbance that is associated with the memory.

What does an EMDR session look like and what does it involve?​ Like any psychotherapeutic process, your therapist will obtain a history of past experiences and how they affect you now. Once an event that continues to disturb you is identified, you will connect a negative or irrational belief to the event as well as a positive, adaptive belief. These beliefs will be measured on a scale before, during, and after the therapist guides you through BLS. During each set, you will notice any changes that occur in your mind and body. Sometimes there may be an increase in your disturbance level as the trauma is initially processed. But after a bit, the memory and the negative belief becomes less disturbing and the positive belief begins to feel more true. The target is completely processed when recall of the image no longer brings up disturbing emotions and the preferred positive belief feels totally true. Because the bilateral stimulation activates the brain, it is likely that you will continue to process your memory for days after your session. It is possible that you may have memories, dreams, insights, and feelings surface that that you may have never experienced before. Notifying your therapist of these experiences will be helpful in the healing process.

Do I have to revisit painful memories? ​This is a tricky question, but the short of it is, yes, but we really do not need to go over the details of the event. The disturbances of today are directly connected to the painful memories of your past events. EMDR allows for the painful memory to come into consciousness and to be evaluated with today’s knowledge and understanding; thus, reducing it’s emotional connection or pain. EMDR allows the brain and the mind to move through memories like a movie where the disturbance comes and goes.

Although we are unable to predict the thoughts, feelings, or memories that might come up during EMDR, you are always in charge of whether to continue or stop. As part of the preparation phase, you will be coached on coping skills to help you with manage any upset. As a general rule, you will not need to talk or explain during your EMDR session because you will have already explained what your therapist needs to know beforehand.

Is everyone appropriate for EMDR?​ No. There are specific procedures to be followed depending on your presenting problem, emotional stability, medical condition, and other factors. It is important to be upfront about your current circumstances with your therapist and that the therapist be formally trained in EMDR. Otherwise, there is a risk that EMDR would be incomplete, ineffective, or even harmful.

How long should I expect to be in EMDR therapy?

The EMDR treatment itself does not last long and is easily completed in a therapy session. The need for ongoing EMDR treatment depends on several factors including the nature of the problem we are treating, your history, and your ability to tolerate emotional disturbance. Overall, EMDR therapy is can significantly shorten the overall length of time in therapy.

Here are a couple of videos that can explain ore

10 minute video found at About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association (emdria.org)

5  minute video on the phases of EMDR: Experiencing EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association (emdria.org)