Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact on our emotional well-being. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) offers a powerful approach to healing from these experiences.  This therapy helps you process disturbing memories and emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

How exactly does EMDR work?

EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing, but it’s important to remember that this is a general overview. The specifics of each stage and the pace of treatment may vary depending on your individual needs and the therapist’s approach. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR, consult with a licensed therapist to see if it might be right for you.

Let’s break down the eight stages involved in this transformative therapy:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first stage lays the groundwork for your EMDR journey. Here, you’ll discuss your background and the specific issue you’re hoping to address, be it a traumatic memory, anxiety, or a persistent negative belief.  Together with your therapist, you’ll establish a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

2. Preparation

Before diving into the heart of EMDR, your therapist will equip you with essential tools. You’ll learn coping mechanisms to manage any emotional distress that may arise during the sessions. This might involve relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.

3. Assessment

This stage involves pinpointing the specifics of the traumatic memory. You’ll identify the disturbing image, negative thoughts, and physical sensations associated with the event.  By pinpointing these details, you and your therapist can begin to address them.

4. Reprocessing the Memory

Here’s where the core of EMDR happens. You’ll revisit the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This involves following the therapist’s finger movements with your eyes or listening to alternating tones.  Bilateral stimulation is thought to help your brain process the memory in a new and less disruptive way. As you revisit the memory while using bilateral stimulation, the emotional intensity associated with it may decrease.

5. Installation

Now that the negative charge of the memory is lessening, it’s time to establish positive beliefs. Positive beliefs about yourself and your ability to cope are identified and strengthened to replace the negative thoughts linked to the trauma.  This empowers you to view yourself and the event in a more positive light.

6. Body Scan

Our bodies often hold onto the tension of traumatic experiences.  In this stage, you’ll pay close attention to physical sensations in your body while focusing on the memory.  This helps identify and release any residual tension that might be preventing you from moving forward.

7. Closure

The end of each EMDR session is crucial for establishing a sense of safety and calm.  You and your therapist will employ the coping mechanisms you learned in preparation to ensure a sense of peace after revisiting difficult memories.

8. Reevaluation

The beginning of each new session starts with a reevaluation. You’ll discuss any changes you’ve noticed since the previous session. This helps your therapist track your progress and determine if further EMDR work is needed on the target memory or if a new memory can be addressed.