EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989. It is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model which presents that people assimilate information from their experiences into implicit (below awareness) or explicit (easily recalled) memory. Most of the memories are processed and stored in the brain and do not directly interfere with day to day living, but some are too overwhelming and may cause “stuckness.” This “stuckness” allows the memory to remain activated, causing a person to react to everyday events in relation to the memory, sometimes even long after an event has passed or is not even remembered.
Why EMDR?
EMDR is a therapy that helps children and adults work through problematic emotions and behaviors, ultimately allowing them to enjoy their daily lives. Most notably, it has been shown to help people heal from trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. But, it can also help resolve patterns of “stuckness,” unresolved feelings and emotions that keep a person from enjoying and being involved in day to day life.
From the time we are born, each day brings a new experience. Most of these experiences are organized, processed, and integrated in our brains appropriately. We may or may not be able to recall easily all of these experiences. However, these experiences help to create the building blocks for future beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When an experience becomes too overwhelming, it can become “stuck” causing a person to continue to relate to the world around them from this stuck place. This allows someone to become triggered by any reminder of that experience and behave as if it is happening all over again. The trigger can be anything related to the 5 senses, an emotion, a thought about one’s self and the world around, and even a physical sensation.
For example, close your eyes and think of your favorite holiday. If you chose Thanksgiving, you may be able to recall the smells of Turkey in the oven, the taste of pumpkin pie, the sounds of your family gathering, the sight of the Thanksgiving table, and the feel of sitting on the couch next to a close family member. You may also recall feelings associated with this holiday, such as happiness, love, and togetherness. If you had a bad Thanksgiving experience, any of these triggers can be a negative reminder, interfering into your daily life whenever you come across them.
EMDR can help to relieve the negatively associated thoughts and feelings that interfere in daily functioning. It won’t erase the memory of the experience, but it will allow the brain to process it and resolve the intruding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. So that when you begin to notice Thanksgiving holiday decorations in the store windows again, for example, you can recall the experience and know that it was a difficult time, but also know that you are ok, safe, and confident.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is often used in conjunction with other therapies like play therapy and talk therapy. It can be used in individual and family sessions.
EMDR consists of the therapist providing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping the client’s hands alternately, while the client thinks of a distressing event. The client also identifies negative thoughts and feelings related to the negative experience and processes them through to resolution, desensitizing the overwhelming thoughts and feelings and developing new, more appropriate ways of viewing and dealing with the experience.
So if you felt overwhelming intrusive fear and had thoughts like “I can’t keep myself safe,” EMDR could decrease the fear to a more appropriate level or even altogether. It can help you more appropriately believe, “It’s over. I am safe now. I can make choices to keep myself safe.”
EMDR works more quickly than typical talk therapy. The amount of time it takes to get through or “get over” what is being experienced depends on the type of event being processed and the client. There are 8 phases of the treatment that involve: gathering a history, identifying problem areas to work on, strengthening coping skills and increasing confidence to help the client to be ready to move forward to work on the issues that have initiated therapy. The client then processes the experiences and the new, more adaptive thoughts and feelings are strengthened.
EMDR is not hypnotherapy. The client is fully aware of what is going on and the therapy process. The client is in control of whether to stop or continue, how much to share or not share with the therapist, and is an active participant in healing.
So You Use EMDR With Adults. What About Children ?
I have used EMDR successfully with adults as well as children. The same protocol is used, while the techniques are modified to fit the developmental level of each child. I incorporate game play, play therapy, art, and storytelling in my use of EMDR to effectively help children heal from traumas (abuse, accidents, domestic violence, etc.), common childhood upsets (divorce, separation, peer and school concerns, etc.) and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, and low self-esteem. I encourage parents to participate in the process, providing support and feedback, and at times helping to facilitate the therapy during sessions.
FOR More Information
If you would like to find out more information on EMDR, please visit the following websites:
www.sandiegotraumatherapy.com
www.EMDR.com
www.emdria.org