EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

 
 
 

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy or EMDR is a form of therapy that assists people in working through past traumatic experiences, alleviating the related emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors. People who suffer from a history of trauma or have a stress disorder, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, can experience residual problems from their experiences that impact their ability to function, day to day. EMDR provides an evidence-based, manualized way to address these concerns.

It is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which tells us that our brain stores memories in connected networks, that allow us to draw necessary conclusions and learn from our experiences. When an experience is traumatic, our body is sent into hyperarousal, overwhelming our ability to cope and inhibiting our brain from effectively storing these memories.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation or BLS, which consists of eye movements back and forth, alternating tapping on both sides of the body, or auditory sounds alternating in both ears, to assist the brain in reprocessing these maladaptively-stored memories or past traumas. It is thought that BLS allows the brain to enter a state similar to REM sleep.

 

The EMDR protocol occurs in 8 phases:

  • Phase One: History Taking and Treatment Planning

    • Here we take a look at the issue we want to address, identify what past experiences are associated with the present concern, and develop a plan.

  • Phase Two: Preparation

    • Here we determine the type of bilateral stimulation that is most comfortable and look into coping skills, to prepare for the reprocessing.

  • Phase Three: Assessment

    • Here we take a deeper look at the target memory, identifying the associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.

  • Phase Four: Desensitization

    • Here we begin to utilize short sets of BLS to engage in reprocessing the target memory.

  • Phase Five: Installation

    • Here we build up the preferred positive belief, taking the place of the previous negative belief that was reprocessed.

  • Phase Six: Body Scan

    • Here we check to make sure that the body is not holding any memory of the negative experience.

  • Phase Seven: Closure

    • Here we close down the memory that we are working with and debrief the experience, done at the end of each session.

  • Phase Eight: Reevaluation

    • Here we take a look at what has occurred in between sessions, if there are any new insights, and check the current distress level of the target memory.