The EMDR therapy method (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-) is particularly suitable for the treatment of trauma effects. In the post-traumatic stress disorder feelings and memories are stored differently than normal in the brain and subsequent processing of the experience is difficult.
It is estimated that a synchronization of the brain hemispheres through bilateral stimulation, for example, eye movements, subsequent processing of the traumatic memory is enabled.
After a thorough medical history and stabilization phase the traumatic memories are freed from the discomfort through guided, rapid horizontal eye movements.
EMDR is considered evidence-based and is accepted by the health funds in Germany. The therapy process is also used for anxiety disorders and the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction.
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What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy treatment designed to help people recover from trauma and distressing life experiences, particularly those related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective therapeutic approach for trauma and other emotional difficulties.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic memories and negative emotions can get “stuck” in the brain in an unprocessed state. These memories often remain vivid and distressing, causing emotional and psychological problems, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. EMDR therapy is designed to help the brain process these stuck memories, reduce their emotional charge, and integrate them into a person’s life in a healthier way.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment
History and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers a detailed history of the client’s experiences, identifying specific traumatic events or memories that need processing. They also establish trust and set therapy goals.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process to the client and helps them develop coping strategies to manage any emotional distress during and between sessions, such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices.
Assessment: The therapist and client select a specific memory to target. They identify the most distressing aspect of the memory, as well as the negative beliefs or feelings associated with it (e.g., “I am unsafe” or “I am powerless”). The client also identifies a positive belief they’d like to associate with the memory instead.
Desensitization: During this phase, the therapist guides the client through bilateral stimulation (BLS), which is often done by moving their finger back and forth in front of the client’s eyes, asking them to follow it while thinking about the traumatic memory. Other forms of BLS include tapping or auditory tones. The goal is to help the brain reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.
Installation: Once the emotional intensity of the memory has been reduced, the therapist works with the client to strengthen a positive belief about themselves related to the memory, replacing the negative self-beliefs that were originally associated with the trauma.
Body Scan: The therapist checks to see if the client feels any lingering physical sensations in their body related to the trauma. This step helps ensure that both the mind and body have processed the traumatic memory fully.
Closure: The therapist ensures the client is in a stable state at the end of each session. This involves grounding exercises and techniques to help the client return to the present and maintain emotional balance between sessions.
Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist and client revisit the processed memories to ensure the emotional charge remains low and the new, positive beliefs have been integrated into the client’s thinking.
Mechanism Behind EMDR
While the exact mechanism behind EMDR is still not fully understood, there are several theories:
- Bilateral Stimulation: The eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation seem to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive way. Some researchers suggest that this mimics the brain’s natural processing during REM sleep, when memories are typically consolidated and emotions are regulated.
- Dual Attention: The simultaneous focus on the traumatic memory and the external stimulus (eye movements) may help “unlock” the memory and allow for reprocessing by the brain.
- Neurobiological Changes: EMDR has been shown to affect brain activity, potentially reducing hyperactivity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and increasing communication between different areas involved in emotional regulation and memory processing.
Benefits of EMDR
EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating:
- PTSD and other trauma-related disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Addictions
- Chronic pain conditions with emotional components
Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR often does not require detailed discussions of the traumatic event, making it appealing to people who struggle with talking about their trauma.
The treatment can be relatively short-term, depending on the complexity of the trauma and the individual, and it tends to focus on resolving the emotional distress associated with specific events.
CONTACT
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