What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, an evidence-based therapeutic modality developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, which we utilize at Sacred Circle Counseling. EMDR works on the underlying concept that many of life’s current difficulties stem from earlier life experiences. A child might internalize that they are unlovable when their parents divorce and they lose contact with one of their parents. This might manifest later in life, particularly when individuals are building relationships, and the “I’m unlovable” feeling resurfaces. In EMDR, the therapist and client can reprocess their memories utilizing their current skills to get “unstuck” from the past.
How does it work?
EMDR uses specific memories as targets and then combines them with Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) to open up the neural networks in your brain to allow for reprocessing of the original memory. BLS could include side-to-side eye movements similar to REM sleep, crossing your arms in a butterfly hug, and tapping alternating on each of your shoulders, or using EMDR specific devices such as buzzers that are held in the hands and operated by the therapist, a light bar for tracking eye movements, or bilateral sounds through headphones. The following graphics provide a metaphor for understanding how memories are reprocessed.
What should I expect in sessions?
EMDR therapy does not jump right into reprocessing traumatic memories. The therapist will begin, as with any talk therapy, by establishing rapport and setting goals for treatment tailored to the client’s specific needs. The therapist will take a detailed trauma history to help understand the life experiences that are impacting the client’s day-to-day functioning. The therapist will assess the resources the client has to support them throughout the memory processing process. In areas where there are skill deficits, the therapist will help the client build those skills, such as teaching self-regulation strategies. Then the therapist and client will attempt to determine the underlying negative beliefs about themselves that they wish to change, identify the treatment target memories, and then reprocessing can begin.
The best part about EMDR reprocessing, unlike several other modalities of trauma treatment, is that the client does not need to share in detail their experience of the trauma with the therapist during reprocessing. The therapist will guide the client through the steps of the memory reprocessing until the memories no longer hold the same level of emotional disturbance. Essentially, when reprocessing is successful, you can still remember the memory, but you aren’t reliving the experience every time you think of it.