What Is EMDR Therapy Used For?
When it comes to treating trauma, it’s hard to know which of the many approaches will be most effective. Since its development in the 1980s, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become one of the most popular. But how exactly does it work, and can it treat more than trauma?
What Is EMDR Therapy?
The core idea behind EMDR therapy is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain’s processing mechanisms. When trauma doesn’t get processed correctly, it can lead to symptoms like intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, reactivity to triggers, and avoiding places and things that are reminiscent of the trauma.
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps a client “reprocess” their traumatic memory using bilateral stimulation. In other words, while moving their gaze from side to side. The bilateral stimulation mimics the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, since this is when we naturally process memories. This memory reprocessing takes place over the course of several phases, including:
History-taking: the client and therapist work together to gather information about their history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
Preparation: the client and therapist will set expectations and discuss coping skills to manage distressing emotions that may come up during and after treatment.
Assessment: the therapist and client identify specific memories, beliefs, and feelings related to the traumatic experiences that they’ll target for reprocessing.
Desensitization: the client focuses on the targeted memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. Typically, they’ll follow the therapist’s finger movements with their eyes, though they may use other forms of bilateral stimulation such as hand taps or auditory tones.
Installation: after walking through the target memory, the therapist helps the client “install” positive beliefs and sensations to replace the negative ones they previously held about themselves or the traumatic event.
Body scan: the therapist guides the client through noticing their bodily sensations and helps them release any physical tension related to the target memory.
Closure: at the end of each session, the therapist makes sure the client feels grounded and confident. The client is also encouraged to engage in self-care activities between sessions to regulate their emotions.
Reevaluation: after the target memory is reprocessed and positive beliefs have been installed, the client and therapist reassess their therapy goals.
What Is EMDR Used to Treat?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD)
While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, it can develop in anyone as a result of a traumatic experience. Those who suffer from PTSD often find themselves trapped in a cycle of re-experiencing the trauma because of nightmares and flashbacks. Their lives can be deeply affected by the need to avoid triggers associated with the event. EMDR offers a pathway out of this cycle by helping to reprocess the trauma.
Substance Abuse Disorder
EMDR has proven valuable in the realm of addiction recovery. Substance abuse is often intertwined with unresolved trauma, as it can be a way of self-medicating to numb painful memories. When a client addresses the root cause of their addiction, they set themselves up for a successful sobriety journey. EMDR also teaches healthier coping strategies, so they’re less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Anxiety Disorders and Depression
EMDR has proven helpful in treating more mental health issues beyond PTSD. It can desensitize anxiety triggers and reframe harmful beliefs. This can be useful for those with anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, those struggling with depression, low self-esteem, or unresolved grief can also benefit from EMDR.
Are You Ready to Try EMDR?
If you’ve been living with the aftereffects of trauma, don’t wait to start your healing journey. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health issue, or just want to cope with past traumas, EMDR is a great evidence-based therapeutic option.
To find out more about whether EMDR therapy is the right fit for you, please reach out to us.
