Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy
Humans are a product of their experiences-the situations they have directly experienced, witnessed, heard about, encountered, and lived through others. When an experience includes a strong emotion, such as joy or sorrow, the brain is notified to pay attention and store the memory for later retrieval. The memories are then stored in a vast network where they can be pulled forward for examination and will activate other memories that closely resemble the original memory. Sometimes this process is conscious like when we choose to reflect on the vacation we took the year prior. More often, though, these memories are activated by stimuli we encounter in the environment such as a familiar restaurant, the smell of cookies fresh from the oven, a person’s tone of voice, or the song playing on the radio.
We can think of trauma memories as a mirror that gets picked up and thrown forcefully at the ground. The mirror will shatter into several pieces and will need to be properly collected to prevent further damage. The larger pieces are easier to see, collect, and dispose of whereas the smaller fragments will be more challenging to discard. It may be several months since the event and you still notice a small piece laying in the carpet that was uncollected and has the ability to prod you sharply should you walk over it.
EMDR helps to collect these smaller pieces that are difficult to dispose of on your own. Chances are that right after the incident occurred, you did a fantastic job of picking up the larger fragments through use of coping strategies you learned long ago which may include grieving, reading a book on the topic, talking with people you trust, taking time off from work or school, distraction, joining a support group, or journaling. Sometimes the mind and body will attempt to dispose of the pieces through dissociation (the shutting down response that occurs when the body detects a potentially lethal threat), repression/”bottling up” of emotions, and disturbing dreams. It is crucial to note that you managed the situation as best you could with the resources you had and however you needed to do that is okay. There is no “right way” to cope with trauma and in our work together we will gently explore the pieces that were left uncollected and join them with the larger fragments so they can be stored in a memory container that is safe from further harm.
So how does EMDR actually work? Great question!! EMDR is based in the Adaptive Information Processing theory which theorizes that the brain naturally wants to integrate memories into a cohesive whole which can be achieved through use of Bilateral Stimulation, or BLS. BLS is any activity that moves our body in a synchronous left-right-left-right rhythm that in return activates both sides of the brain. When both brain hemispheres are online and communicating through the band of fibers down the middle, called the corpus collosum, it can piece the memory together more effectively than just using one hemisphere at a time. We see this process occur naturally all the time. You are using BLS whenever you go for a walk, run, lift weights, play drums or another musical instrument, or tap your feet. Many people will say they naturally feel less stressed after participating in these activities and it is largely due to the fact that your brain is processing most effectively when you are engaged in this type of movement. In a typical EMDR reprocessing session, you and the therapist will activate a trauma memory by discussing the images, emotions, sensations, and beliefs that accompany that memory and then use BLS in the form of eye movements, audio, or taps to start piecing together all the fragments that were left unprocessed until you can think of the memory and it elicits no response in your body.
When most people think of EMDR they identify the Reprocessing phase when the memory is actively being worked on in session. Please be aware that there are 8 phases to the standard protocol and each are equally important and may take various lengths of time. You and your clinician will first take a detailed history of various impactful life events. It is crucial that the clinician have a comprehensive understanding of your early attachments, upbringing, relationships, and experiences are various points in development. You will collaboratively make a list of events that you would like to reprocess in future sessions and will link current concerns to past memories that are likely perpetuating a pattern you would like to break. Then you and the clinician will begin the Preparation phase in which you will explore if there is any dissociation that needs to be worked with, enhance positive supports and traits, discuss and practice healthy coping techniques, and build self-esteem. When that phase is complete you will move into active reprocessing which includes a brief assessment of the targeted memory, reprocessing with use of BLS, activation of a positive belief of self, check of the body for additional distress, and debrief/closure. When this process is complete you will return to the list of memories identified during the history taking process and pick another memory to begin reprocessing.
I have seen EMDR work wonders at getting people “unstuck” and free from the grips of their trauma experience. It is truly amazing work because we will be accessing the unconscious part of the mind and using your personal strengths as well as our close therapeutic connection to close the wound that adversity creates and envision a future free from constant triggering, memory intrusion, and panic. This is the work I LOVE to do and it is my honor to accompany you through this process should you choose to integrate EMDR into your therapy.
Please contact me if you would like more information about EMDR or to discuss whether you are a good candidate for this therapy model.
I have included a short video that wonderfully explains the 8 phase protocol, goals, and what sessions look like. You can find the video below.
If you are an avid reader and would prefer to gain more information in that way, I highly recommend Francine Shapiro’s book Getting Past Your Past which can be found online and in most book stores.
