If you have experienced trauma in your life, EMDR Therapy can help you to access and process those memories so that they no longer feel as disturbing and overpowering. EMDR is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be more effective than many other treatments in relieving traumatic symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Unlike some other types of psychotherapy, EMDR is non-talk therapy that does not require you to relive your traumatic events or talk about them in detail. However, it is important to work with a trained therapist who understands how traumatic memories can be “trapped” in the mind and body.
EMDR is based on the theory that we all have a natural system in our brains that helps us make sense of new information and store it for future use. If we encounter a negative situation, such as a traumatic rape, our minds may be overwhelmed by the emotions and sensations that go with it, such as feelings of guilt or shame. Even though an intellectually we know that the rapist wasn’t to blame, we are unable to break free from those negative emotions and the resulting negative memories of the event. Using the EMDR procedures, a trained therapist can help you to reprocess the memory and move on from the experience with less residual impact.
Your EMDR therapist will take a full history and conduct an assessment to determine which past memories to target in treatment, discuss current triggers and set future goals. They will explain how the EMDR technique works and help you to practice eye movements and other exercises. During the first session, your therapist will also teach you some self-care techniques for when disturbing images and emotions arise between sessions.
In the second session, your therapist will have you select a specific image that represents a traumatic memory and identify where in your body you feel physical sensations. Then they will help you to recall this memory while they move their finger back and forth across your face. Some therapists use alternatives to finger movement such as hand or toe tapping, rhythmic sound stimulation, or musical tones. While you focus on the image and follow your therapist’s finger motions, you will be asked to report what new thoughts come up, along with any other changes in mood or body sensations.
The third phase of EMDR, called assessment, is when the therapist activates the target memory by identifying and assessing all components of the memory: the image, cognitions, emotions, and body sensations. This information is used to create a customized therapeutic plan for each session.
During the fourth phase, desensitization, your therapist will have you think of the target memory and follow their finger motions again, but this time with the thought that you are moving to a safe place. The therapist will then ask you to rate the positive belief on a 7-point Visual Analog Scale to confirm that it is fully true.