WHAT IS EMDR
There are many myths and circulating narratives describing EMDR, largely due to its profound impact on the treatment of trauma in modern psychotherapy. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) utilizes Bilateral Stimulation and Dual Attention Stimulation (tapping, eye movements, tones, and others) to activate the Adaptive Information Processing System (AIP). The AIP model is guided by the notion that the human brain is wired to process stressful data and information. We call this the innate processing system. If the innate processing system is impaired or blocked, the memory and all its associated sensations (sensory information) will be stored in a maladaptive form, or in such a way that hinders the brain’s ability to properly process the event . Think of a dam blocking a river from flowing freely, this analogy describes how traumatic memories are sometimes processed in the brain. This often leads to intrusions in our daily lives in the form of flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, increased anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depressed moods and even controlling behaviors. This blockage not only pertains to the original memory but also influences future behavior. This process often results in maladaptive responses to triggers and stimulating events that have occurred after the original event. The goal of EMDR is to address past memories that are associated with the problem, present triggers and symptoms that are disturbing, and skill-building for more adaptive behavior In the future (Hase et. al., 2017).
In summary, trained professionals use Dual Attention Stimulation and Bilateral Stimulation to help clients access memories and images, even if those memories are loosely associated or hard to recall in detail. The accessing of this information allows people to process the trauma quickly and in such a way that puts previous traumatic experiences, images, and their sensations in a larger adaptive perspective (Van Der Kolk, 2014). This allows patients to detach the emotional meaning that is holding them back from fully participating in their lives and reprocess the event with adaptive meaning, or helpful perspectives that propel the patient forward toward healing.
Is EMDR Effective?
In a study measuring the effectiveness of EMDR, 42 percent of those who were given the placebo improved PTSD scores, while the group who was given Prozac, a popular anti-depressant, saw slightly more improvement. The patients who received EMDR interventions, however, did significantly better than both groups who were given either Prozac or the Placebo (Van Der Kolk, B.A. et. al, 2007). In fact, the study revealed that after 8 therapy sessions using EMDR, one in four patients who had experienced adult-onset trauma were completely cured.
In an ongoing randomized clinical trial, Capezzanie et al. (2013) has continually found that EMDR has produced more improvement in PTSD symptoms after eight sessions compared to a variety of CBT techniques.
EMDR is An Evidence-Based Practice
EMDR has been recognized as an evidence-based practice by the American Psychiatric Association, Department of Veterans Affairs, The Department of Defense, SAMHSA, and the World Health Organization. This is an important distinction for various reasons, one being that most insurance plans will not cover treatment that is not evidence-based.
FAQS
Is EMDR like hypnosis?
EMDR is not hypnosis. EMDR does not ever require that a person enters into a trance-like state of consciousness. EMDR actually requires the individual to be highly focused on elements specific to the therapy including eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while thinking about negative core beliefs in addition to positive cognitions. You will be fully present and aware during your EMDR session, if dissociation occurs your clinician will not proceed with processing.
How many sessions does EMDR take?
The number of sessions required is completely unique to the person and the specified neural network being processed. Often childhood traumas require more sessions than adult-onset traumas. Research indicates that EMDR appears to take less sessions to resolve symptoms of trauma that other therapy modalities.
Will I have to relive my trauma or experience it as intensely as I did when it first occurred?
One of the most notable differences between EMDR and other trauma therapies is that it does not require patients to relieve the trauma for a prolonged period of time. You also don’t have to tell all the details of your trauma to your therapist. While there may be a moment of high-level intensity, the level of intensity decreases quickly. Your EMDR therapist has been trained in techniques to help make this possible.
Can EMDR unlock traumas and past memories I don’t recall or remember?
No. This is a common myth of EMDR. EMDR’s purpose is to reprocess unstable memories, not unlock repressed memories. Simply put, the brain has a highly functioning protective system that will not simply unlock. Your brain will only process what is determined safe and accessible to process.
What do I have to do to be ready for EMDR?
Our therapists are trained to introduce resourcing skills to our clients prior to beginning EMDR processing. These skills are used to help manage elevated emotions and increase feelings of emotional safety. We strongly encourage our clients to practice these skills prior to beginning EMDR processing and in between sessions. We also know that anticipatory anxiety is common prior to beginning EMDR and therapy in general. Help you know what to expect. You can see components of how EMDR is practiced by watching this EMDR therapy session.
Where can I book a session with a Serenity therapist who is EMDR trained?
You can book a session by submitting a contact inquiry here. Or call us at our office! We are passionate about helping moms heal!
References
A. Van Der Kolk, et al. (2007). A Randomized Clinical Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Fluoxetine, and Pill Placebo in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 68(10).
B.A. van der Kolk. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books: New York, New York.
Capezzanie et al. (2013). EMDR and CBT for cancer patients: a comparative study of effects on PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research. 5(1) p. 2-13.
Hase, M., Balmaceda, U.M., Ostacoli, L., Libermann, P. & Hofmann, A. (2017). The AIP Model of EMDR Therapy and Pathogenic Memories. Frontiers in Psychology 8(1). P. 1578.
