EMDR
EYE-MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
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Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.
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EMDR therapy doesn’t require talking in detail about a distressing issue. EMDR instead focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts or behaviors that result from a distressing experience (trauma/ attachment injuries). This allows your brain to resume a natural healing process.
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Often, your brain stores trauma memories in a way that doesn’t allow for healthy healing. Trauma is like a wound that your brain hasn’t been allowed to heal. Because it didn’t have the chance to heal, your brain didn’t receive the message that the danger is over.
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Newer experiences can link up to earlier trauma experiences and reinforce a negative experience over and over again. This disrupts the links between your senses and memories. It also acts as an injury to your mind.
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This happens not only with events you can remember, but also with suppressed memories. Your mind tries to suppress memories to avoid accessing them because they’re painful or upsetting. However, the suppression isn’t perfect, meaning the “injury” can still cause negative symptoms, emotions and behaviors.
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YOUR FIRST EMDR SESSION
In your first EMDR session, you can expect a thorough and compassionate laying of groundwork. Your therapist will explore your history and current state to find out if you’re ready for EMDR. Then, they’ll make sure you’re comfortable and informed about the process. You’ll learn about the eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation and how they play a role in therapy, and your therapist will explain what to expect and how to handle any emotions that might come up during the sessions.
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DURING THE SESSIONS
EMDR sessions combine structured techniques with personal exploration. As you focus on a specific traumatic memory or issue, your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation. This procedure might make you feel a wide range of physical sensations, from relief to discomfort, as your mind works to reprocess and desensitize the distressing memories. It’s normal to feel a mix of tiredness and relief afterward – there’s some intense mental and emotional work being done! Your therapist will be with you the whole time, though, making sure you feel supported and safe.
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AFTER EMDR THERAPY
Your mind will continue to work through the experience after EMDR therapy is over. During the days and weeks after therapy, you’ll probably go through a spectrum of emotions. Many people report feeling less emotionally burdened by past traumas, leaving them feeling more liberated and balanced. The longer-term benefits of EMDR can include better relationships, increased self-esteem, and a happier outlook on life.