Breaking Down EMDR for Trauma Therapy
According to the EMDR Institute, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a heavily researched, effective therapy that helps people heal from symptoms and emotional distress related to disturbing life experiences, trauma, PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders, and depression.
There has been so much research on EMDR therapy that it’s recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense. Studies on EMDR have shown that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after only three 90-minute sessions.
Read more about EMDR treatment for children and teens.
First Things First
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or trauma, and no homework is required between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the trauma, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
Understanding EMDR
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to ongoing distress and dysfunction. Through a structured protocol, EMDR helps individuals reprocess these traumatic memories, enabling them to integrate these experiences in a more adaptive manner. This process typically involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, which facilitates the brain's natural healing mechanisms.
EMDR treatment may take fewer sessions than other trauma therapies.
EMDR takes place over eight different phases of treatment. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. After the client and provider have determined which memory to target first, the client will hold different aspects of the traumatic event or thought in mind and use his eyes to track the counselor’s hand (or other methods) as it moves back and forth across the client’s field of vision. As this happens, internal associations arise and the client begins to process the memory and disturbing feelings.
When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of flashbacks, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process traumatic memories, and allows normal healing to resume.
Beginning EMDR Therapy
After the counselor and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, the client will work through the phases of EMDR therapy with their counselor. EMDR therapy is a mental health intervention and requires additional, advanced training in EMDR by properly trained and licensed mental health clinicians.
If you’re looking for an EMDR therapist, we would love to help! At Atlanta Wellness Collective, we offer EMDR therapy for children, teens, and adults for the treatment of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Email hello@atlwell.com for more information about EMDR therapy.
Video on the working memory theory of EMDR
"Your Behaviour Won't Be The Same" | Dr. Andrew Huberman (Stanford Neuroscientist)
This blog post was written by Kim Ostrander, MA, LPC, CPCS.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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