Whether you’re struggling with PTSD or have tried traditional talk therapy but still seem to wear your trauma like a new winter coat, you may be interested in trying EMDR therapy.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR, otherwise known as eye movement desensitisation reprocessing, is a technique used in therapy to help individuals reprocess their traumatic experiences in a way that can leave them feeling lighter and no longer a prisoner of the past. It was developed in the 1980s by psychologist Franice Shappero, and has since been recognized as an effective treatment for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many more.
The Science Behind EMDR: How It Works
When we experience something overwhelming and relive the traumatic event, parts of our brain are unable to calm down and control the parts that are becoming overstimulated. In other words, when you are triggered, the rational thinking part of your brain can’t control the emotional part of your brain. This is why when you get triggered, you can’t think and you feel overwhelmed.
EMDR therapy incorporates elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This bilateral stimulation is believed to mimic the brain's natural processing during REM sleep, calming the amygdala and allowing it to synchronise it with the rest of the brain, facilitating the integration of these “stuck” traumatic memories into a more adaptive framework.
Key Principles of EMDR Therapy
Choosing to try a new therapy method or technique can feel a bit daunting, especially when therapy itself can feel like a huge feat. But understanding the key principles that EMDR therapy deals with can hopefully ease your decision.
Memory Reprocessing
If you’re a fan of the movie “Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind” you may be disappointed to hear that the goal of EMDR is not to erase memories completely but to change their emotional charge. It focuses on altering the emotional impact of traumatic memories rather than attempting to erase or suppress them. The human brain has an incredible capacity to heal itself, but when faced with overwhelming stress or trauma, certain memories can remain "frozen" in their raw, distressing form. These unprocessed memories are not stored as regular autobiographical events but as fragments of intense emotions, sensory experiences, and negative beliefs. This disconnection prevents the brain from integrating the memory into its broader understanding of reality.
For example, a person who has been in a car accident might initially recall the event with intense fear, helplessness, or a belief that "I am unsafe." Through EMDR, they can reprocess the memory to remember the facts ("The accident happened") but without the overwhelming emotional turmoil. Over time, the memory transforms from a source of pain to neutral or even an empowering recollection, changing their perspective into a positive belief such as "I survived this traumatic event and I am resilient."
This principle is particularly important for trauma survivors, as it allows them to regain control over their past experiences without feeling as though they are losing a part of their identity. The goal is not to forget but to shift the memory’s influence from a debilitating force in someone’s life to a constructive one. By reframing the memory’s emotional context, clients can experience profound relief, improved self-esteem, and greater emotional regulation.
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
According to the AIP model, psychological distress arises when memories of traumatic events are not fully processed and remain stuck in their original, fragmented form. These unprocessed memories are stored in isolated neural networks, disconnected from the brain’s broader adaptive memory system, which can prevent you from resolving the memory through logical reasoning, emotional regulation, or having a broader perspective of what happened.
For example, a person who experienced childhood abuse may have unprocessed memories stored alongside intense feelings of fear and beliefs like "I am powerless." These memories can resurface as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or triggers in everyday life, causing the person to react as if the trauma is still occurring.
The AIP model explains why traditional talk therapy alone may not fully resolve these issues; simply discussing the memory does not necessarily reintegrate it into the brain’s adaptive framework. Through bilateral stimulation and guided focus, EMDR facilitates the integration of these memories into the brain’s adaptive system. This process allows clients to reframe their understanding of the event, incorporating new insights, emotional stability, and positive beliefs. For instance, the individual who once believed "I am powerless" might reprocess the memory and adopt a new belief such as "I have strength and control over my life."
The AIP model not only explains the mechanics of EMDR but also highlights its transformative potential. By restoring the brain’s natural ability to process and adapt, EMDR helps clients move from a state of distress and dysfunction to one of healing and resilience.
Client-Centred Approach
At An Elegant Mind Counselling, we offer EMDR therapy with a client-centred approach, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the treatment to the unique needs, experiences, and goals of each individual. Because trauma affects everyone differently, and no two journeys of healing are the same, a key principle of EMDR is to create a therapeutic environment that prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration, ensuring that clients feel empowered throughout the process.
During the sessions, the therapist remains highly attuned to the client’s emotional and physical responses, making adjustments as needed. For example, if a memory becomes too overwhelming, the therapist can pause the process and guide the client through grounding techniques or relaxation exercises. This flexibility allows the therapy to progress at a pace that feels manageable for the client.
Overview of the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
Phase 1: History-Taking and Treatment Planning
The therapist gathers detailed information about your history, including significant life events, symptoms, and therapy goals. This phase involves:
- Identifying target memories for reprocessing.
- Exploring how past events contribute to current issues.
Phase 2: Preparation
In this phase, the therapist ensures that you are ready to begin processing trauma by:
- Teaching relaxation techniques to manage distress.
- Building trust and rapport.
- Explaining the EMDR process in detail.
Phase 3: Assessment
The therapist helps you pinpoint a specific memory to work on. Key components include:
- Identifying the image associated with the memory.
- Exploring negative beliefs (e.g., "I am powerless").
- Establishing positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
- Assessing emotional intensity using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale.
Phase 4: Desensitization
This is the heart of EMDR therapy. Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist guides you to reprocess the memory. The goal is to reduce any emotional distress that may be linked to the memory.
Phase 5: Installation
In this phase, the therapist strengthens a positive belief (e.g., "I am in control") to replace the previous negative belief.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The therapist helps you identify and release any residual physical tension associated with the memory, ensuring that the distress is fully resolved.
Phase 7: Closure
Each session ends with a closure process to ensure you leave feeling stable and grounded. Techniques may include guided relaxation or mindfulness exercises.
Phase 8: Re-evaluation
At the start of your next session, the therapist revisits previous targets to evaluate progress, reflect on what’s working and then determine the next steps.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’ve been feeling burdened by trauma for far too long and can’t seem to talk your way toward healing, EMDR therapy offers a transformative path for those struggling with trauma, emotional distress, or unresolved negative experiences. One of the key benefits of EMDR is its ability to go beyond simply managing symptoms. Unlike some therapeutic approaches that focus solely on coping strategies, EMDR delves into the unprocessed memories and emotions that drive your current struggles. By doing so, it enables your brain to reprocess these memories in a healthier way, often leading to lasting relief from emotional triggers, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. This process helps you shift from feeling stuck in the past to moving forward with a renewed sense of empowerment and control.
The versatility of EMDR therapy is another reason why it has become a trusted method for healing. While it is widely known for treating trauma and PTSD, it is equally effective in addressing issues such as phobias, grief, chronic pain, and performance anxiety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by emotions or trapped by patterns of thinking that seem impossible to change, EMDR’s alternative methods towards healing trauma just might offer the breakthrough you’re looking for.
The process requires trust, patience, and collaboration. It can be intense at times, as it involves confronting painful memories, but the results are often profound and life-changing. Most people who undergo EMDR describe feeling lighter, freer, and more equipped to handle life’s challenges.
At An Elegant Mind Counselling in Vancouver, we specialize in providing EMDR therapy in a safe, supportive, and client-centered environment. Our therapists are dedicated to tailoring each session to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you feel comfortable and empowered every step of the way. We understand that deciding to seek therapy, especially for something as personal as trauma, can feel daunting. That’s why we prioritize creating a space where you can explore your healing journey with confidence and care.
If you’re curious about whether EMDR might be right for you, we invite you to take the first step by scheduling a consultation with us. During this initial conversation, we’ll discuss your concerns, explore your goals, and help you determine if EMDR aligns with your needs. Healing is a journey, and we are here to walk alongside you as you navigate this transformative process.
Don’t let unresolved memories or emotions hold you back from living the life you deserve. Contact An Elegant Mind Counselling in Vancouver today to learn more about how EMDR can help you rediscover peace, resilience, and joy. Let’s work together to create a brighter, healthier future for you.
References:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.-a). Exploring the 8 phases of EMDR. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/emdr-phases
American Psychological Association. (n.d.-b). What is EMDR therapy and why is it used to treat PTSD?. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/emdr-therapy-ptsd
How does emdr work? A neuroscience explanation. - EMDR therapy sydney|clinical psychologist. (n.d.). https://mysydneypsychologist.com.au/how-does-emdr-work-a-neuroscience-explanation/
What is EMDR?. EMDR Institute - EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPY. (2024, January 3). https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/