Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
About EMDR
Our brains our constantly sorting through information — deciding what is important to remember, what needs to be taken care of right away, and what can be forgotten. When we experience traumatic or emotionally overwhelming events, the normal process of memory formation can be blocked. This causes these distressing experiences to be remembered in a way that continues to be distressing, even after the events are over.
The goal of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is to help the brain “digest” these memories and store them in appropriately. We do this by briefly recalling the upsetting memory while at the same time doing something slightly distracting, such as tracking a moving object with your eyes, or gently tapping. This gentle distraction taxes our working memory, meaning that the trigger and the task at hand must compete for our full attention. This dual awareness helps the brain naturally move the distressing experience into long-term memory, where the distress and negative emotions are less intense.
Is EMDR only for Trauma?
No! Although EMDR was originally designed for use with PTSD, many people have experienced success using it to treat a variety of issues. Kate Kowalczik uses EMDR to treat phobias, anxiety, and other concerns as deemed appropriate (by both client and therapist!).
A Phase Based Treatment
An important part of any trauma informed therapy is to ensure that the client feels safe, understood, and ready to work through upsetting memories. EMDR therapy recognizes this and takes a phase based approach to treatment. Client’s don’t need to remember or know these phases, but some find it helpful to be aware so that they know what to expect from the therapy process.
History Taking - Just like any form of therapy, it is important for EMDR therapists to identify the clients goals for therapy and relevant personal history. While your therapist will ask questions to help them understand your situation, you will not be required to give a detailed account of your traumatic experiences.
Preparation - This phase is all about establishing a good therapeutic relationship and empowering the client with resources and coping skills. The second phase of EMDR can look identical to other forms of therapy, and the therapist will likely use a variety of techniques from other modalities.
Assessment - The therapist and client identify the memories to be targeted with reprocessing. Phases 3-7 are often completed within the same session.
Desensitization - The therapist guides the client through reprocessing. This is the intervention that people usually picture when they think of EMDR. The therapist utilizes techniques that help the client process without becoming too overwhelmed. For some issues, desensitization might take place over multiple sessions or longer sessions.
Installation - After the client experiences a reduction in distress, we move to integrating new beliefs and emotions that better represent the experience in the present day.
Body Scan - The client turns inwards to check for any remaining distress that needs to be processed. Your therapist will guide you through this process, addressing material that needs to be worked through.
Closure - Clients are brought back to a state of calm prior to ending the session.
Reevaluation - In the next session, the previous target will be reviewed to check for any remaining distress. If there are additional issues to be targeted, the client and therapist will begin working on those experiences.