What to Expect from EMDR
Often, people come to EMDR after being referred by a healthcare professional or a therapist when they feel stuck in therapy or have experienced a challenging life event. This therapy follows a specific 8 step protocol that is delivered by a trained, trauma informed therapist. The EMDR process can feel much different from traditional talk therapy. When considering EMDR it is helpful to get an idea of what to expect and whether it is the right approach for you.
What is EMDR
EMDR is a neuroscience informed therapy that was originally developed for use with combat veterans with PTSD. Over the years it has become recognized as an effective treatment for a range of stress related disorders including anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, phobias, and developmental trauma.
EMDR provides relief from symptoms related to trauma histories and results from treatment may include:
decreased anxiety and pain,
improved sleep, decreased nightmares,
decrease in obsessive negative thoughts, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.
EMDR also helps people to gain new insights from the experience and resolve negative core beliefs about the self that developed as a result of the trauma. For example, an assault victim may come to realize that they were not to blame for what happened, they are now safe, that the event is really over, and, as a result, they can regain a general sense of safety in their world.
Oftentimes therapists who are trained in EMDR will offer this treatment within the course of a longstanding therapeutic relationship when clients feel stuck around a particular issue. Other times, people may seek out EMDR as a stand alone therapy or as an adjunct to therapy they are already doing.
EMDR is extensively studied by neuroscientists and clinicians who specialize in early childhood adverse experiences and trauma. It has also been extensively validated by regulating and governmental bodies around the world and by the World Health Organization (WHO).
How does EMDR work on a somatic level?
EMDR therapy works on a somatic, “bottom up” level as it helps to reorganize neural connections that were associated with the traumatic memory.
It is based on a model called “adaptive information processing” which posits that traumatic memories get stuck in the information processing system of the brain, along with emotions and even physical sensations that went with the original experience.
When we experience a traumatic event, it happens first to the body before emotions get activated. The body automatically goes into survival mode through a fight or flight response which is necessary at the time. Shortly after the event, the nervous system may continue to stay hypervigilant or shut down as a way of self protection. The good news is that our nervous systems are naturally wired to heal from a traumatic event by reprocessing memory. We think about it, sleep on it, get help, time passes - and it is no longer upsetting to the point it interferes with our lives.
With traumatic stress disorders like PTSD, the memory gets stuck on the associations connected with this event and causes symptoms like flashbacks, hyperarousal, anxiety, and other forms of distress. People are more vulnerable to developing PTSD depending on the severity and duration of adverse life experiences. It is thought that EMDR helps people suffering from traumatic stress disorders by giving the nervous system a nudge towards adapting and reprocessing the memory of the event through natural neurological processes (like what happens in REM sleep).
What does an EMDR session look like?
Most individuals wonder what actually occurs in a typical EMDR processing session and assume it entails moving their eyes as the therapist waves their fingers back and forth. While the name suggests this is what happens, a typical processing session of EMDR can include other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS is a stimulus that moves from left to right repeatedly such as tapping, alternating sounds, or alternating buzzers that are held in the hands.
EMDR follows an eight step protocol that engages the left brain and right brain functions.
The first stages of EMDR include spending time with the therapist to get your history and help you identify the target memories and associations that have kept you feeling stuck. This time helps to develop a rapport with your therapist so you can learn to feel safe when you move into subsequent stages of therapy where you look at the traumatic memory.
In the desensitization stage, you focus on a troubling memory and identify the negative self-belief it brings up (e.g. I am not loveable, I am to blame). You then formulate a positive self-belief you would like to have (e.g. I am worthwhile, I am not responsible). As you hold this memory, you will access all the physical sensations and emotions associated with it, rate the level of upset you feel, and then stay with the memory as you follow the external stimulus. Your therapist leads you through some sets of bilateral stimulation until the memory is no longer disturbing. The subsequent stages help you with the installation of the new positive core and examining the process so you can move forward in your life. It may take a few sessions to complete the processing of one particular memory.
How do I know if I am a candidate for EMDR?
When considering doing EMDR, it is important to consider your goals and the stage you are at in the healing process. The first step to deciding if EMDR is for you is to have a conversation with an EMDR therapist. This will help you assess whether this approach is a good fit for the issues you are struggling with.
Another important factor in EMDR is that your nervous system is regulated enough to tolerate the feelings that arise in a usual processing session. We do that through resourcing protocols that help you to access feelings that will help you feel safe, grounded and calm in your body.
What are the next steps?
If you feel ready to start EMDR as part of your healing journey, reach out to one of our therapists for an initial consultation.
Each person will require a different course of therapy but you can expect to meet weekly for 6-12 sessions for best results.
