Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

What is EMDR?

EMDR is an eight-phase trauma treatment that comprehensively identifies and addresses experiences that have overwhelmed the brain’s natural resilience and coping capacity, which generates traumatic symptoms and/or harmful coping strategies. When a person experiences a very upsetting event or trauma, their brain can have difficulty processing the information. Later, after the upsetting event, the memories, emotions and sensory experiences from that event may feel emotionally “stuck.” The moment can be remembered vividly or remembering may feel like going through the experience for the first time. The person may also overreact to situations that remind them of the original event in some ways.  

How does EMDR work?

EMDR assists individuals in processing disturbing events that have been locked away in the nervous system by allowing the brain to process the conscious and unconscious material. It is believed that EMDR harnesses the brain’s natural ability to heal, helping desensitize individuals to difficult experiences and associate positive beliefs about themselves. When a memory has been cleared through EMDR processing, the person can still remember the event, but it is less upsetting.

What is an EMDR session like?

When originally developed, EMDR used horizontal eye movements, similar to what occurs naturally during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This horizontal movement is thought to cause alternating bilateral stimulation of the brain that facilitates the healing process. In a typical EMDR session, the therapist leads a person through a series of bilateral eye movements, sounds or alternating tactile stimulation while holding different aspects of the traumatic memory in mind. As this happens, clients begin to access the traumatic memory network so that processing of the event occurs, and the memory becomes less disturbing and new associations are created between that traumatic memory and more adaptive memories.

How long does an EMDR session take?

Typical EMDR sessions last from 60 to 90 minutes. Single event traumas, such as a car accident, may require a minimal number of sessions. Long-term trauma and multiple traumatic events require a longer time commitment. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary.

Is EMDR only for trauma?

EMDR is not solely used for trauma-related issues. It can also be helpful in addressing:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, performance anxiety

• Depression and bipolar disorders

• Grief and loss

• Chronic illness/pain and medical issues

• Sleep disturbance

• Substance abuse and addiction

• Violence and abuse

For more information on EMDR, visit this site.