Understanding EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Trauma Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) might sound complex, but this evidence-based therapy has helped millions of people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. If you've been struggling with the aftereffects of difficult experiences, EMDR could be an important part of your healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach that helps people process and integrate traumatic or disturbing memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since become one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma-related conditions.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to discuss your trauma in extensive detail. Instead, it helps your brain process disturbing memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact and allows for healthier integration of the experience.
How EMDR Works
During EMDR sessions, you'll work with your therapist to identify specific memories or experiences that are causing distress. While focusing on these memories, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation – typically eye movements that go back and forth, though this can also involve tactile or auditory stimulation.
This bilateral stimulation appears to help the brain process traumatic memories more effectively, similar to what happens naturally during REM sleep when our eyes move rapidly and our brains consolidate experiences from the day.
The process helps move disturbing memories from their "stuck" state in the brain's emotional centers to more integrated storage in the brain's memory networks, where they can be recalled without the same intense emotional reaction.
What Conditions Can EMDR Help With?
While EMDR was originally developed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), research has shown its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions:
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Grief and loss
Childhood trauma
Sexual assault and abuse
Accidents and injuries
Performance anxiety
Disturbing life experiences that don't necessarily qualify as "big T" trauma
EMDR can help with both single-incident traumas (like car accidents) and complex trauma from ongoing difficult experiences (such as childhood neglect or domestic violence).
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase approach:
History and Treatment Planning: Your therapist learns about your background and identifies target memories for processing.
Preparation: You'll learn coping strategies and relaxation techniques to help you feel safe during processing.
Assessment: Together, you'll identify the specific memory, related beliefs, and emotional responses to target.
Desensitization: This is where the bilateral stimulation occurs as you process the disturbing memory.
Installation: You'll strengthen positive beliefs about yourself related to the experience.
Body Scan: You'll notice any remaining physical tension or sensations related to the memory.
Closure: Each session ends with techniques to help you feel calm and grounded.
Reevaluation: Future sessions begin by checking how you're feeling about previously processed memories.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. You'll remain fully awake and in control throughout the process. Many people are surprised by how natural the bilateral stimulation feels – it's often described as relaxing or meditative.
During processing, you might experience various thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations. This is normal and part of how your brain is working through the material. Your EMDR therapist will guide you through this process and help you stay grounded.
Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may need several months of treatment. The timeline depends on factors like the complexity of your trauma history and your individual healing process.
EMDR at Sandstone Counseling
At Sandstone Counseling, Brittany Lasorella specializes in EMDR therapy and has extensive training in helping clients heal from trauma. Brittany creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can process difficult experiences at their own pace.
Brittany understands that seeking help for trauma takes courage, and she works collaboratively with each client to ensure they feel comfortable and empowered throughout the EMDR process. Her expertise includes working with various types of trauma, anxiety disorders, and helping clients develop stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be particularly helpful if you find yourself avoiding certain places, people, or activities due to past experiences, or if you're experiencing intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares. It's also beneficial for those who feel "stuck" in patterns of negative thinking about themselves or their experiences.
However, EMDR isn't appropriate for everyone or every situation. During an initial consultation, a qualified EMDR therapist can help determine whether this approach might be beneficial for your specific concerns.
Combining EMDR with Other Approaches
EMDR is often used alongside other therapeutic approaches. Your therapist might incorporate mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral strategies, or other interventions to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Taking the Next Step
If you think EMDR might be helpful for you, consider scheduling a consultation with Brittany Lasorella at Sandstone Counseling. She can answer your questions about the process and help you determine whether EMDR is a good fit for your healing journey.
Remember, healing from trauma is possible, and you don't have to carry the burden of difficult experiences alone. EMDR offers a pathway to processing these experiences in a way that can reduce their power over your daily life and help you move forward with greater peace and resilience.
Important Note: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
