Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What Is It?
EMDR is frequently used in trauma therapy. Through rigorous research, EMDR has been established as an effective PTSD treatment by The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, Department of Defense, Veteran’s Administration, insurance companies, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Trauma involves sensory memories (i.e., sight, smell, sound), emotional memories (i.e., irritability, easily startled, sleep difficulties), and associated meanings (i.e., “I’m not safe”, “I’m unworthy”).
Trauma may involve a one-time event such as a vehicle accident, or it may involve long-time events such as chronic child neglect. It may also occur randomly such as being criticized in front of colleagues.
Traumatic experiences may lead to distressing memories, sleep problems, increased irritability, avoidance of people or activities, pessimistic about the future, etc.
What happens during an EMDR session?
EMDR sessions generally last approx. 90 minutes. I follow the EMDR protocol which includes eight phases of treatment. We will utilize a key element of EMDR which is “dual stimulation.” The most commonly used stimulation is eye movements. However, sound and touch are also utilized. I offer all clients the choice of which dual stimulation they prefer. I am aware that many traumatized clients cannot tolerate touch, for example. This is perfectly fine and normal.
This stimulation ‘jump starts’ the healing process by moving traumatic memories in the brain. I’ll ask you to bring up the sensory memories as well as the emotional memories and associated meanings. For example, the sound of a seatbelt click (sensory memory), the instant fear (emotional memories), and the associated memories of “I’m going to get in a wreck and die.”
We will work with the stimulation of your choice in order to desensitize the memories, making them have less impact in your life. We will then work to form new meanings for increased positive beliefs about self, the situation, and others – gaining insights and an emotional equilibrium.
Traumatic Triggers
Traumatic memories are often triggered by sensory experiences.
Maybe the sound of tires grips your body, and you feel terrified.
The smell of a certain cologne makes your stomach clench.
The sound of fireworks makes you want to run.
The taste of beer makes your heart race.
Impressive Results
I have witnessed EMDR’s profound power to move clients stuck in the quicksand of trauma…
… clients who found themselves immobilized by triggers moved to taking control of their lives.
A couple of examples of EMDR success:
One client was in a horrific auto accident in which she was cut from the vehicle, taken by life flight to a hospital, spent several months bedridden, and finally relearned to walk. When she first came to see me, she was terrified of riding in a vehicle and driving. By the end of treatment, she was not only driving on the interstate but enjoying road trips.
Another client moved from paralyzing dread of running into her incestuous family member to gaining a sense of empowerment that allowed her to face him knowing that she was not at fault and had no reason for the shame she carried most of her life.
A lifelong fear of public speaking became a thing of the past for another client. He gained increased confidence during presentations and meetings at work and now occasionally leads company trainings.
Find healing from your suffering.
Don’t let trauma from your past control your promising future.
I’m happy to talk with you more about EMDR to see if it is right for you. Call me (719) 649-6066.