EMDR

How does EMDR work?

 

EMDR helps the brain process trauma or trapped memories in such a way that normal information processing is resumed. Often, therapists use EMDR to help clients uncover and process troublesome patterns with emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that have developed due to relational traumas, childhood abuse, or neglect. 

With 35 years of evidence showing that EMDR works, the question about EMDR has shifted from “does it work” to “how does it work”. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to enhance memory processing. Two compelling theories for how this mechanism works are: 1) BLS opens up both sides of the brain mimicking REM sleep, that part of our natural sleep cycle in which our minds process recent life events. EMDR’s use of BLS allows for similar processing 2) BLS taxes the working memory causing our brains to reprocess, learn, and properly store memories. 

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For more details about how EMDR works, talk to me. You can also learn more from an organization called EMDR International Association, at http://www.emdria.org.

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What does EMDR help?

 

Originally, EMDR was established to help with veterans’ PTSD. There is strong evidence, however, that is useful to address other conditions, particularly if they involve distress or trauma. It has been used to address:

• Panic Attacks

• Complicated Grief

• Perinatal Issues

• Postpartum Issues

• Dissociative Orders

• Disturbing Memories

• Phobias

• Pain Disorders

• Performance Anxiety

• Addictions

• Stress Reduction

• Sexual and/or Physical Abuse

• Body Dysmorphic Disorders

• Personality Disorders

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Do none of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?

 

You may not identify with the conditions on the list above. There are experiential signals that EMDR may be right for you:

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• Do you have experiences of distressing emotions that appear to you and perhaps to others, as excessive to a current situation?

• Do you react highly to sounds or sights that “trigger”?

• Is there one or more dysfunctional belief/s you have about yourself that you know are untrue on an intellectual level but cannot shake no matter what you do, including participating in CBT or other forms of psychotherapy?

• Did you grow up feeling your parents or caregivers did not “get” you for as long as you can remember? 

• Do you feel like you have difficulties connecting in relationships, getting close or attaching to others? 

 

If you answered ‘yes”, EMDR may help you. You can talk to me to determine if that is the case. 

To find out if you are eligible for EMDR therapy or to learn more about this form of therapy, reach out to me. Via a free phone consultation, we can begin to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.