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EMDR Therapy: Eye...
The mind has a remarkable ability to heal on its own, much like the body. A significant part of this natural healing process takes place during sleep, especially in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. This innate mechanism has been extensively studied which has led to the development of one of the most effective treatments for trauma and other conditions, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy.
What Is Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic method developed by Francine Shapiro, that aims to address distressing or traumatic memories. The underlying principle of EMDR is that many psychological challenges stem from troubling life events that have not been properly integrated into our memory, leaving them unprocessed or stuck. These traumatic experiences often require assistance to be fully processed, and EMDR offers a pathway for that healing.
This approach not only seeks to alleviate symptoms related to trauma, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly in those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also aims to enhance overall mental well-being.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is classified as a mental health condition that falls under trauma and stress-related disorders. PTSD can arise after an individual has experienced or witnessed one or more traumatic events. These can include threats or instances of death, severe injuries, sexual violence, exposure to warfare, natural disasters, human-made catastrophes, or serious car accidents, to name a few. They can also arise from disturbing childhood events such as abuse and neglect.
While individuals may exhibit a variety of symptoms associated with PTSD, many report noticeable changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Common experiences include intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood, and heightened arousal and reactivity, which can manifest within the first three months following the traumatic event. In some instances, symptoms may not appear until months or even years later.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
After a comprehensive evaluation and the creation of a personalised treatment plan, you will be guided through specific questions about your trauma memory. The process involves mimicking the side-to-side eye movements that occur during REM sleep. Your EMDR therapist will direct these bilateral stimulations by making your eye follow movements or through tapping or tactile sensations. These movements will last for a short while, and later, you will be asked to stop. At this time, you are asked to share your traumatic experiences during each of the sets of that bilateral movement. You might notice shifts in your thoughts, images, and emotions throughout the session.
With each round of eye movements and bilateral stimulation, the memory often transforms and diminishes its emotional distress and becomes a more neutral recollection of a past event.
Phases Of EMDR Therapy
EMDR consists of eight phases designed to help you reprocess intense traumatic experiences to reduce associated distress:
History-Taking And Treatment Planning
In the first stage, you will engage in a conversation with your therapist about your life experiences, touching on past traumas and current symptoms. The information shared will help shape a personalised treatment plan and set specific goals for your healing process.
Preparation
At this point, you are getting ready for the processing of traumatic memories by learning about the adaptive information processing model, strengthening your therapeutic relationship with your therapist, establishing clear expectations for the treatment journey, and recognising coping strategies to utilise during and in between sessions.
Assessment
It is centred on identifying particular traumatic experiences that will be addressed in your sessions. Your therapist will assist you in uncovering the images, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations linked to those traumatic or disturbing events.
Desensitisation
In the fourth phase, the essential component of EMDR therapy takes place. During this stage, your therapist assists you with bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, while you actively remember the traumatic event. This phase facilitates the reprocessing of your traumatic memories which enables you to form new images, emotions, beliefs, and sensations that are more beneficial than those you previously experienced. You will engage in a set of bilateral stimulation for about 15 to 30 seconds each.
Installation
In this stage, your therapist will support you in reinforcing the positive beliefs you want to connect with the specific distressing memory or event. The aim is to cultivate new, uplifting beliefs while letting go of the negative ones. Your therapist will assist you in integrating these new belief systems into your self-concept and emotional reactions.
Body Scan
This phase of EMDR therapy emphasises the identification of any physical tension or discomfort linked to your specific traumatic memory. Your therapist will guide you to maintain focus on the traumatic memory alongside the newly developed positive beliefs while doing a thorough body scan from head to toe. Any sensations of tension or discomfort experienced during this process will also be addressed in this phase.
Closure
In the seventh phase of EMDR, your therapist will ensure you feel grounded and calm before concluding your therapy sessions. The reprocessing of the traumatic memory is deemed complete when you can view it with neutrality, embrace positive beliefs, and experience no physical tension or discomfort. If the distressing memory has not been fully processed, your therapist will guide you to continue this work in future sessions.
Re-evaluation
This phase typically takes place at the start of a new treatment session. This means that during an ongoing treatment process, your therapist performs a reevaluation at the beginning to assess the impact of the previous sessions.
What Conditions Are Best Treated By EMDR?
EMDR was designed specifically for individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD or trauma-related conditions. It addresses the way past distressing events can resurface in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and sensations.
However, beyond its primary focus, EMDR has proven effective in treating a range of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, anger, sleep disturbance, and even addictions.
How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?
EMDR sessions may be slightly longer than standard therapy appointments, lasting up to 90 minutes. The total number of sessions required will vary based on the nature and severity of the trauma. Generally, it is suggested that 8 to 12 sessions may be sufficient for less complex traumas, while more sessions may be needed for those dealing with multiple traumatic experiences.
Effectiveness Of EMDR Therapy
EMDR is an innovative talk therapy that has positively impacted the lives of millions of people across the globe. Over the years, its effectiveness has been established through extensive research and clinical practice. With several controlled studies conducted, EMDR stands out as one of the most extensively examined techniques for addressing trauma and related conditions.
Using EMDR To Treat Addiction
Understanding the connection between trauma and addiction is essential to grasp how EMDR can be effective in treating substance addiction. Many people resort to drugs or alcohol as a means to escape the pain and turmoil stemming from their traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can often spiral into addiction.
EMDR treatment specifically targets the trauma that contributes to addiction by focusing on the distressing memories and beliefs that may have driven individuals to use substances. Through the EMDR process, therapists guide individuals in processing and reframing these memories which helps to lessen the emotional distress they carry.
Is EMDR Therapy Suitable For Everyone?
It is crucial to understand that EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone. This approach can evoke traumatic memories which makes it essential for individuals to be at a certain stage in their recovery to effectively engage in self-soothing techniques.
For instance, if you are currently experiencing an abusive relationship, EMDR may not be for you at the moment because the therapy could trigger strong emotions and memories, potentially worsening your distress without a secure and supportive setting. It is crucial to prioritise safety and stability before beginning EMDR.
Strengthen Your Emotional Resilience With Sierra Recovery
At Sierra Recovery, we understand that healing from trauma and emotional pain is a personal journey. Hence, we offer EMDR therapy, an effective method that helps you manage and process difficult memories and emotional distress. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of trauma, addiction, or other mental health conditions, EMDR can help you release those burdens and start to rebuild your emotional well-being.
We are here to guide and support you towards achieving a lasting recovery. Share with us your challenges and let’s begin this transformative process together.
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