A Closer Look at EMDR and Its Effect on the Brain
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a type of therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma. It is often used to treat conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, and depression. What makes EMDR stand out is its unique approach: it uses guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation to help reprocess distressing memories in the brain. Let's take a closer look at the hows and whys of EMDR.
The Science Behind EMDR
To understand how EMDR works, it is important to look at what happens in the brain when we experience trauma. When a person goes through a traumatic event, the brain struggles to store the memory properly. Instead of being processed and stored in the way most memories are, these traumatic memories get lodged in a state where they can be triggered by reminders. This means that even small things, like a certain sound or a specific location, can bring back overwhelming feelings, physical reactions, or intrusive thoughts.
EMDR works by activating both sides of the brain alternately, through eye movements, sounds, or taps. This stimulation is thought to engage both sides of the brain, encouraging the brain to reprocess these memories. When the memory is reprocessed, it becomes less distressing and more manageable.
How Does the Brain Reprocess Memories in EMDR?
During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide the client to focus on a traumatic memory. Following this, the client is asked by the therapist to visually follow their hand as it moves back and forth across their line of sight. This movement mimics the brain's natural process during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when memories are thought to be processed and stored.
By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain integrate the memory in a way that makes it less emotionally charged. The process encourages the brain to connect the memory to other, less distressing memories or experiences, reducing the intensity of negative feelings attached to it. This can help people feel less triggered by past trauma and better able to manage their emotional responses.
The Role of the Therapist
A therapist trained in EMDR will carefully guide clients through this process. It is not just about moving eyes back and forth; the therapist will help clients reflect on their memories, identify negative beliefs that may have formed due to trauma, and replace those beliefs with healthier, more realistic ones. Throughout the process, the therapist ensures that the client is comfortable and able to process the memory at a pace in which they feel safe.
Can EMDR Help Everyone?
While EMDR has shown promising results for people with trauma, it is not just for those with PTSD. It can also be helpful for people struggling with anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, depression, and even issues like grief. Because EMDR works by reprocessing how the brain stores memories, it can be a useful tool for a variety of mental health concerns.
Final Thoughts
EMDR is a powerful proven therapy that helps people work through difficult experiences and various mental health concerns. It engages the brain in a way that allows memories to be reprocessed, which can reduce the emotional weight of them. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or difficult memories, EMDR might offer a path to healing. Always speak with a trained therapist to see if EMDR is the right fit for your needs.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss any questions you may have. Contact our practice for information on EMDR Therapy, any other techniques that may be a good fit for you, or to schedule an appointment!