What is EMDR and how does it work?

Have you heard of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)? It's a type of therapy that's gaining popularity in the mental health field, and for good reason. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat trauma-related disorders, but it has since been used to treat a wide variety of mental health issues.

So, what exactly is EMDR? The therapy was first developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. The theory behind EMDR is that when we experience trauma or distressing events, our brain's natural coping mechanisms can become overwhelmed, leading to the formation of maladaptive memory networks. These networks can cause us to continue experiencing distress long after the original event has passed.

EMDR aims to help people reprocess these memories and reduce their impact on their daily lives. During an EMDR session, a therapist will guide the client through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones, while they recall the traumatic event. This process is thought to facilitate the brain's natural healing mechanisms and help the client reprocess the memory in a more adaptive way.

But what does bilateral stimulation have to do with trauma processing? According to the theory behind EMDR, bilateral stimulation can help activate the brain's information processing system, which can lead to more efficient processing of the traumatic memory. The eye movements or other forms of stimulation are thought to mimic the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, which is when the brain consolidates memories.

So, what can you expect during an EMDR session? Typically, the first few sessions will be spent discussing your history and identifying the specific memories or issues you'd like to work on. Your psychologist will then guide you through the eye movements or other forms of stimulation while you focus on the traumatic event.

You may experience some discomfort or emotional distress during the session, but your psychologist will help you manage these feelings and provide support throughout the process. The goal of EMDR is to help you reprocess the memory and reduce its impact on your daily life, so you can expect to feel some relief after the session is over.

While EMDR was initially developed to treat trauma-related disorders, it has since been used to treat a wide range of mental health issues. Research has shown that EMDR can be effective in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and other types of distressing memories.

EMDR is also a relatively short-term therapy. While the number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms, many people experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.

It's important to note that EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may not be the right therapy for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a psychologist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

So, if you're considering EMDR, what should you look for in a psychologist? It's important to find an accredited EMDR psychologist who has experience working with trauma and other mental health issues. Your psychologist should also make you feel comfortable and supported throughout the therapy process.