EMDR

A structured, client centered, effective route to healing

EMDR is an evidenced based approach to therapy. Evidenced based means that there have been multiple clinical studies which support the efficacy of this kind of treatment. Generally, our mind can recover from adverse events, however, in some cases, when we experience particularly traumatic or shaming events, the memories can get “stuck” or maladaptively encoded. This can result in lingering symptoms of overwhelming emotions, distorted self-image, flashbacks, nightmares, trouble connecting with others, and more. EMDR provides relief effectively, and often more quickly than other forms of therapy. It is a “three-pronged” comprehensive approach that addresses your past, present, and future.

EMDR occurs over eight phases

Phase One, Assessment & History Taking

In phase one you and your therapist will discuss your history through a detailed autobiographical narrative. Together, you will explore your story through memories, celebrate your strengths, and identify any memories which may be causing distress for you now. This process can be enlightening, bringing a stronger sense of self awareness, and comes with the experience of being truly seen and heard.

Phase Two, Preparation

Phase two involves treatment planning and preparation for processing. Targets are specific memories, organized into clusters, which will be methodically processed using bilateral stimulation (explained further below). Additionally, during this phase, you will work with your therapist to develop skills and techniques to manage stress between sessions. This helps develop confidence and ability to maintain equilibrium between processing sessions. Your therapist will thoroughly explain what to expect in the next phases of treatment as well.

Phase Three, Assessing the Memory

Your therapist will help you access and connect to target memories, asking structured questions in order to identify levels of distress, negative thoughts, body sensations, and emotions associated with the memory

Phase Four to Seven, Desensitization and Reprocessing

Bilateral stimulation is used in this phase. Your therapist will help to guide you in accessing and processing the “stuck” or maladaptively encoded memories. You will use rhythmic alternating stimulation, such as eye movements, tactile (touch based), or audio tones while accessing the memories and related emotions, thoughts, and body sensations in order to reduce their impacts on your current functioning. Next, your therapist will either help you contain any unprocessed material, or if the memory is sufficiently processed, will help you install new, more adaptive ways to think about yourself. Installation can also help increase confidence in handling current situations which may be difficult. Body scanning will help to resolve body based reactions to past events that may still be bothering you. You will work together to ensure full resolution. These phases result in rapid relief of symptoms and increased overall sense of well-being. Your therapist will encourage you to use skills learned in phase two, and use a journal to note any material which may surface between sessions.

Phase Eight, Reevaluation

The following session will start with an evaluation of your current emotional and psychological state, review of any gains or difficulties since the last session, and review of any new material that may have surfaced between sessions. With this information in mind, your therapist will again help to guide you to the most appropriate target(s) to address for that session.