What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro. It was initially designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been used to treat a variety of other mental health conditions. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing distress and interfering with daily life.
EMDR therapy involves a series of structured sessions that are designed to help you process traumatic memories. During each session, you will be asked to recall a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in a specific eye movement or other form of bilateral stimulation. The goal of this process is to help you desensitize to the memory and reprocess it in a more adaptive way.
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the theoretical framework that guides EMDR therapy. According to this model, traumatic experiences can interfere with the brain’s natural processing abilities, leading to the development of negative beliefs about oneself and the world. EMDR therapy aims to help you reprocess these traumatic memories so that you can develop more adaptive beliefs and behaviors.
EMDR therapy is a well-researched and effective treatment for trauma-related disorders. It has been shown to be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced complex trauma, which is characterized by multiple traumatic experiences over an extended period of time.
How does EMDR therapy help with complex trauma?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat individuals who have experienced complex trauma. This therapy involves eight phases that are designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the impact of these memories on their lives.
In EMDR therapy for complex trauma, the therapist will typically modify the standard protocol to meet the unique needs of the patient. This may involve longer sessions, more frequent breaks, and a slower pace to ensure that the patient feels safe and comfortable throughout the process.
EMDR therapy for complex trauma may also involve targeting specific memories related to the trauma, as well as addressing the underlying beliefs and negative self-talk that may have developed as a result of the trauma. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and resource installation, to help the patient heal and move forward.
Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
The eight phases of EMDR therapy include:
- History and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
During the first phase, the therapist will gather information about the individual’s history and develop a treatment plan. In the second phase, the therapist will prepare the individual for the therapy sessions and teach them coping skills. The third phase involves assessing the individual’s readiness for desensitization.
In the fourth phase, the individual will be asked to recall a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in eye movements. This process helps to reduce the intensity of the memory. The fifth phase involves installing positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
The sixth phase involves a body scan to ensure that the individual is not experiencing any residual tension or discomfort. In the seventh phase, the therapist will help the individual to achieve closure and return to a calm state. Finally, in the eighth phase, the therapist will reevaluate the individual’s progress and determine if additional sessions are needed.
Length of EMDR Therapy
How long does EMDR take for complex trauma? The length of EMDR therapy for complex trauma varies depending on the individual’s needs. Generally, treatment can last between 6 to 12 sessions, although some individuals may benefit from fewer or more sessions. Each session usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. It is important to note that EMDR therapy is not a quick fix and may require ongoing therapy to maintain progress.
How does a therapist prepare a patient for EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy requires preparation before it can begin. The therapist must first evaluate the patient to determine their suitability for EMDR therapy. This evaluation includes a comprehensive history and assessment of the patient’s current symptoms and their level of psychological functioning. The therapist will also establish a treatment plan that outlines the goals and objectives of the therapy.
The therapist will then explain the EMDR process to the patient, including what to expect during the therapy sessions. This explanation will include an overview of the eight phases of EMDR therapy, as well as an explanation of the role of eye movements in the process. The therapist will also discuss any potential risks or side effects of the therapy and answer any questions the patient may have.
The therapist will then work with the patient to develop coping strategies and relaxation techniques to use during the therapy sessions. These techniques may include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. The therapist will also teach the patient how to ground themselves if they become overwhelmed during the therapy.
Finally, the therapist will establish a positive therapeutic relationship with the patient. This relationship is essential for the success of EMDR therapy, as it allows the patient to feel safe and supported during the therapy sessions. The therapist will work to build trust with the patient and create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.
How does EMDR affect the brain and body?
EMDR therapy is believed to work by helping the brain process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. This is achieved through a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps that stimulate the brain’s information processing system. But how exactly does this process affect the brain and body?
Research has shown that EMDR therapy can lead to changes in brain activity and connectivity. For example, a study using functional MRI found that EMDR therapy reduced activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that is involved in fear and anxiety. In addition, EMDR therapy has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that is involved in decision-making and emotion regulation.
In terms of the nervous system, EMDR therapy has been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. This can lead to a decrease in symptoms such as anxiety and hypervigilance.
Body sensations are also an important part of the EMDR process. The therapist may ask you to notice any physical sensations that arise during the eye movements or other forms of stimulation. This is because traumatic memories can be stored in the body as well as the brain, and bringing attention to these sensations can help to process the trauma.
How does EMDR deal with Symptoms and Emotions?
During EMDR therapy for complex trauma, you may experience a range of symptoms and emotions as you work through your traumatic experiences. These symptoms can include anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness, among others. It’s important to understand that these emotions are a normal part of the healing process and that your therapist will work with you to help you manage them.
One of the key ways that EMDR helps you deal with symptoms and emotions is by helping you process your traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This involves focusing on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. This process helps to reduce the intensity of your emotional response to the memory and allows you to reprocess it in a more adaptive way.
Another way that EMDR can help you deal with symptoms and emotions is by helping you identify and challenge negative beliefs or thoughts that may be associated with your traumatic experiences. Your therapist will work with you to identify these beliefs and help you develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking about yourself and your experiences.
It’s important to note that EMDR is not a quick fix and that it can take time to work through complex trauma. However, with the help of a skilled therapist and a commitment to the process, EMDR can be a highly effective treatment for complex trauma.
How does EMDR address negative and positive beliefs?
EMDR therapy aims to address negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones. Negative beliefs can be a significant obstacle to healing from trauma. Some common negative beliefs that people with complex trauma may hold include feeling unlovable, worthless, or powerless. These beliefs can be deeply ingrained and can affect a person’s daily life.
During the first phase of EMDR therapy, the therapist works with the client to identify negative beliefs related to the traumatic experience. The therapist then helps the client develop positive beliefs that can replace the negative ones. These positive beliefs are often based on the client’s strengths and abilities.
In subsequent phases of EMDR therapy, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to help the client process the traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs. This can involve eye movements, tapping, or other forms of stimulation. As the client processes the traumatic memories, the negative beliefs associated with them can be replaced with positive ones.
It’s important to note that EMDR therapy doesn’t involve simply “positive thinking” or trying to ignore negative beliefs. Instead, it helps the client develop new, more realistic beliefs that are based on their strengths and abilities. This can help the client feel more empowered and better able to cope with the effects of trauma.
What are some potential challenges and solutions in EMDR Therapy for Complex Trauma?
EMDR therapy has been found to be a helpful treatment for complex trauma. However, it is important to be aware of potential challenges that may arise during the therapy process. Here are some common problems that can occur during EMDR therapy for complex trauma, along with some solutions:
Problem: Difficulty Accessing Traumatic Memories
It can be challenging for some individuals to access traumatic memories during EMDR therapy. This can be due to a variety of factors, including dissociation, avoidance, or repression.
Solution: Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship
Building a strong therapeutic relationship with your EMDR therapist can help you feel more comfortable and safe during the therapy process. Your therapist can also help you develop coping skills to manage any distress that may arise during the therapy.
Problem: Feeling Overwhelmed During the Therapy Process
EMDR therapy can be an intense and emotional experience, which can sometimes lead to feelings of overwhelm or distress.
Solution: Developing Coping Skills
Your EMDR therapist can help you develop coping skills to manage any distress that may arise during the therapy process. These skills may include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness techniques.
Problem: Resistance to the Therapy Process
Some individuals may be resistant to the EMDR therapy process, either due to a lack of trust in the therapist or a fear of facing traumatic memories.
Solution: Addressing Resistance in Therapy
Your EMDR therapist can work with you to address any resistance you may have to the therapy process. This may involve exploring your concerns and fears, building trust in the therapeutic relationship, and developing a treatment plan that feels safe and comfortable for you.
While EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from complex trauma, it is important to be aware of potential challenges that may arise during the therapy process. By working closely with your therapist and developing coping skills, you can overcome these challenges and experience the benefits of EMDR therapy.
