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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR
EMDR was discovered and developed over 40 years ago by Dr. Francine Shapiro. She used bi-lateral stimulation of the nervous system to relieve symptoms associated with traumatic memories (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). Some people who suffer the unexpected loss of a loved one, witness or are the victim of violence or abuse, are involved in a terrible accident, or experience a serious illness or medical crisis may develop recurrent mental health symptoms that can be debilitating. EMDR therapists instruct clients to focus on a disturbing memory while pairing the experience with, for example moving the eyes from side to side. Dr. Shapiro discovered the intensity of the memory would fade away and that reminders of the memory would no longer bring up disturbing feelings and thoughts (Desensitization). Furthermore, it is possible through “reprocessing” to change one’s thoughts about the experience and develop new neural networks.
How does EMDR work
We do not fully understand the brain mechanisms involved in this technique. Years of subsequent studies on how the brain works have taught us that this powerful technique works to alter neural pathways in the brain to relieve suffering. Hundreds of thousands of therapists have been trained in EMDR in the years since and we have learned how to work with traumatic memories to help people overcome fear, anxiety, unwanted urges, and extreme reactions to others. We have learned it is not just major life traumas that can affect how we think and feel in the present, but even seemingly insignificant memories of discomfort can lead to present day difficulties. With EMDR therapy, people can improve emotional stability and experience more joy, interest, and excitement in life.
What happens in an EMDR session
Because EMDR involves bringing up and focusing on disturbing memories, you can expect to feel some discomfort during the initial part of the process when we begin to stimulate the brain with bilateral stimulation (eye movement, auditory sounds or tactile vibrations). Through this process, you will become desensitized to the unpleasant memories, noticing some relief until eventually the memory will not bother you or be manageable. In addition, you will come to better understand what happened in a context that is not distressing. This is what we call Reprocessing - when the disturbance associated with the memory begins to fade, the brain begins to sort out the meaning of the experience in order to learn from it and consider options in how to handle the situation differently if something similar should happen in the future.
Is EMDR different from therapy
EMDR is not just a “talk therapy.” While the EMDR therapist does talk with you to better understand your concerns, he or she will be working with you to identify the kinds of past life experiences that contribute to present discomfort. The EMDR therapist seeks to better understand how your brain’s memory system works. Each person’s brain is different and manages memories differently. Real change will come not just from talking about experiences, but also in reliving the experiences in the present in such a way that the experience can be reprocessed by the brain. In EMDR reprocessing, your brain does the work while the therapist guides you in the process.
What happens in Reprocessing
The therapist prepares you for memory reprocessing by working to expand your skills in managing uncomfortable emotional states. The therapist works with you to strengthen alternative memory networks in the brain to help increase your experience of desirable emotional states such as peace, contentment, love, interest, and curiosity. You and your therapist will decide together when to begin the reprocessing of disturbing memories.
How we know it is working
While engaged in EMDR, it is vital that you tell your therapist anytime you are beginning to have doubts, concerns, or emotional reactions to the process. These experiences are often connected to other experiences and memories stored in your brain. When you share your thoughts and feelings about the therapy with the therapist in the moment, you will be better able to access the earlier memory networks that need to be reprocessed. Getting to the early memories, what we call "touchstone memories," is challenging as they are stored in compartments that can be hard to reach. Sharing your present uncomfortable experience with the therapist in the therapy session can make it possible to access these early compartmentalized memory networks and allow deeper change to take place.
“The past affects the present, even without our being aware of it.”
~ Dr. Francine Shapiro, Founder of EMDR
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