Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy

Human brains are too sensible and can experience intense trauma. If you also have traumatic experiences or conditions like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), the best treatment choice is EMDR– Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that has been successfully used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. This technique allows you to cope with the effects of negative experiences, resolve psychological symptoms, and correct behavioral problems.

This therapy involves a special process of identifying, experiencing, and resolving past incidents or thoughts. Unlike other therapies, it focuses directly on memory to change the way the memory is stored in the brain, hence reducing and eliminating harmful symptoms.

Clinical observations imply that EMDR’s standardized techniques, which include eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation, drive an accelerated learning process during therapy (e.g., tones or taps). The vividness and intensity of the trauma memory are lessened when clients focus on it for a short time while also receiving bilateral stimulation (BLS).

Also called the ‘dual attention technique,’ it may lead to the development of anxiety disorders, phobias, chronic pain, and eating disorders if not observed by professional psychotherapists.

How Effective Is EMDR?

The professionals nor research studies have not fully clarified how EMDR works. Still, psychotherapists believe it’s effective because recalling traumatic events when you aren’t paying full attention to them may feel less emotionally upsetting.

Since the beginning of applying EMDR therapy, professionals found its effectiveness more on –

Also, there is more about its effectiveness. It is not just limited to several mental health conditions. As per the studies –

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Through EMDR, individuals can safely reprocess distressing events until it no longer has a psychological impact on their life. Exposure to unpleasant memories will eventually stop triggering negative emotions and symptoms.

Another way, EMDR’s bilateral stimulation (BLS) provides you with something to concentrate on while you access traumatic memories and unwanted thoughts. This complete process helps to reduce the intensity of your memories, allowing you to comprehend them without being overwhelmed by your emotions.

This entire EMDR therapy process involves multiple sessions, which include –

Phase 1: History and treatment planning

To better understand where you are in the therapy process, the therapist will go over the symptoms and medical history.

This evaluation phase also includes a brief discussion of experience and the identification of probable memories to set the treatment goals.

Phase 2: Preparation

The therapist will teach a variety of skills to help you manage and cope with emotional or psychological stress and any unpleasant feelings that may arise throughout treatment. It is also referred to as resourcing, in which you might study stress management skills such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.

Phase 3–7: Treatment

• Assessment

At this phase, the therapist activates the memory to focus on any significant features of that memory by identifying and assessing the memory components: image, cognition, physical sensations, and painful emotions. Also, use the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale and Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale to measure the response.

• Desensitization

Your attention will be drawn to that negative thought, memory, or image. You’ll be guided through bilateral stimulation simultaneously, which may include precise eye movements, tapping, auditory tones, or blinking lights. Then you’ll let your mind drift and pay attention to any thoughts or feelings that arise on their own. If the painful memory no longer produces unwanted feelings, your therapist may have you refocus on it or move on to another one.

• Installation

You’ll “install” a positive self-image or belief to replace the unfavorable one discovered during the assessment phase. Through another repetition of BLS, you’ll concentrate on this belief.

• Body Scan

The therapist will check if the targeted memory causes any unpleasant physical discomfort or sensations. If that’s the case, they’ll take you through another round of BLS.

• Closure

After each session, the therapist will review your progress and suggest relaxation methods and other coping skills help you maintain your progress.

Phase 8: Re-evaluation

The therapist examines your current psychological state if treatment effects have been sustained, and what memories may have emerged since the last session.

If those memories continue to disturb, therapists may continue to target them. They’ll probably advise you to look for new targets if you don’t.

Conclusion

To sum up, EMDR can be described as a method of psychotherapy that –

• Helps individuals recall and re-experience past traumatic events.
• Removes the avoidance or escape mechanisms that may have prevented you from processing the trauma or the associated emotions.
• Helps build healthy coping skills to deal with daily life problems, stress, and other issues.
• Reduces symptoms related to PTSD and other anxiety disorders.

As per most research studies, EMDR therapy is effective in many cases. It helps individuals learn to process their own emotions and reactions, which allows them to cope with challenges arising from traumatic experiences.

This therapy also helps to desensitize distressing memories. If you are looking for a professional to deal with these mental health conditions, Psychotherapy Partners MN is the right choice.