Understanding EMDR Therapy: When the Past Feels Present

Why Do Some Experiences Continue to Affect Us?

When we think of the word “trauma” we may think of veterans in combat developing PTSD, or

sexual assault victims remembering their abuse, or being involved in a major car accident. In

reality, trauma is much broader and is not a one-size-fits-all.

According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, trauma is defined as, “...any disturbing event

that results in intense fear, helplessness, or dissociation, causing long-lasting negative effects

on a person's behavior, well-being, and worldview”. That means that by definition, trauma can

look different for each individual; but our traumas all have one thing in common- it affects our

emotions, beliefs, relationships, and physical responses. EMDR is one therapeutic approach

designed to help people process distressing memories and emotions.

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What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR was first developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro and was initially intended to be used on

individuals diagnosed with PTSD. EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing

(AIP) model, which is a fancy name for explaining how the human brain processes, stores, and

heals from experiences.

Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or in my

practice- handheld buzzers) we can help unlock our brain’s memory network and connect it with

healthier (and calmer) responses. EMDR doesn’t erase the distressing memory, but rather helps

our brain “digest” it better, which helps change the emotional charge felt in our mind and body.

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How Does EMDR Work?

One piece of EMDR treatment that people may not realize or be prepared for is that EMDR

requires preparation and ongoing assessment rather than simply revisiting a traumatic memory.

This modality is not appropriate for every individual, as it requires someone to be able to

practice effective mindfulness and a certain level of emotional regulation (because it will “stir up”

lots of emotions throughout the process). EMDR is not appropriate for people who are

experiencing crises (such as planning or recently attempted suicide) or actively using

mind-altering substances.

The type of bilateral stimulation that will be used depends on the client’s needs and preferences,

as well as the therapist’s own modalities. For example, if a client has a history of seizures or

head injuries, it may not be appropriate for them to utilize eye movements as the bilateral

stimulation. They might need tactile (hand buzzers or hand “butterfly taps”) or sound/tone

bilateral stimulation instead.

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Additionally, it is important to note that EMDR treatment operates on an eight-phase protocol.

These phases include history-taking, preparation, assessment, memory processing,

strengthening adaptive beliefs, body scanning, closure, and reevaluation.

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What Should Someone Expect?

Clients doing EMDR do not necessarily have to describe every detail of an experience. Some

experiences or trauma events block our memories or brains from remembering everything in

great detail. That is normal and does not mean that that event or experience cannot be

processed with EMDR.

It is important to note that processing can bring up strong emotions. Pacing, preparation, and

coping strategies are important parts of treatment. Because EMDR has been described as the

closest our brain can be to REM sleep while still conscious, that means our brain does a great

deal of work both during treatment and in between treatments. Clients often say that after an

EMDR session they need more sleep than usual, more nutritious foods, and more

water/hydration. Our new neural pathways need lots of rest and recovery!

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What Does Healing with EMDR Look Like?

The ultimate goal of EMDR is to reduce the distress associated with memories. We also need to

help develop a more adaptive understanding of the experiences. Remember, healing is a deeply

individual process and EMDR is not a quick fix for everyone. If you are considering EMDR for

yourself, ensure you work with a trained clinician that can help determine whether it is

appropriate for you.

EMDR can be a deeply powerful tool in helping oneself live a more peaceful life with lessened

trauma symptoms. If you or someone you know is interested in EMDR therapy, some of our

therapists at High Point Wellness Counseling have completed the required training and offer it

both virtually and in our Blue Bell office. Happy healing!

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