What is EMDR Psychotherapy?

The View

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a simple protocol for reducing the disturbance associated with traumatic events. Over decades of research and development, however, it has evolved into a transformative psychotherapy that can address a wide variety of problems. "Desensitization" means reducing or eliminating the disturbance we feel when we think of something. "Reprocessing" means cultivating new understandings of our life stories and present circumstances. As for "eye movement," read on.

EMDR is rooted in the understanding that during trauma, and ruptures in our most important relationships, some of our natural instincts and feelings are thwarted, but they persist in sequestered networks of the brain. This allows us to survive, function, and stay in connection, but at great cost. Trauma requires us to adapt--by developing a hypervigilance to danger, for instance, or a strong sense of personal responsibility for another's pain. As necessary as this is when we are hurt, or young and helpless, it becomes a poor basis for thriving once circumstances change.

The point of therapy is not to eliminate these adaptations, which can be quite useful, but rather to make them more flexible. We don't want to lose our ability to scan for danger: we want to relax when our senses tell us we are safe. We don't want to stop controlling the things we can--we want to feel less that something terrible will happen if we don't. Successful trauma therapy doesn't remove what works; it relaxes what doesn't.

EMDR Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to revisit the memories of traumatic and confusing experiences, release the pain stored inside them, and allow us to come to new conclusions--without forgetting what we lived through.

The Preparation

Preparation for EMDR begins with thorough assessment of both your symptoms and your story. It is essential that you and I cultivate trust and readiness for the work, and that you know that by doing EMDR, you are making a conscious choice on your own behalf--NOT being "retraumatized" by the work. We develop goals, identify targets from the past or present to reprocess, and plan carefully to ensure that you begin and end with a felt sense of safety.

The Process

One thing that distinguishes EMDR from other forms of trauma work is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS) during processing. The painless inclusion of brief sets of rapid eye movements or simple tactile stimulation (like alternating taps on each side of the body) greatly increases the brain's capacity to reprocess the images, emotions, and ideas stored in memory. Bilateral stimulation has been compared to the "gas pedal" of memory work, greatly accelerating the process of healing and resolution. While unusual at first, most clients come to appreciate the BLS as a time to let their mind relax and allow a novel experience to emerge.

The Result

Despite the emphasis on working with memories and the unusual features, EMDR is fundamentally a practical therapy, focused on improving your day-to-day life in the present. Whatever targets we select for reprocessing--childhood memories, present-day triggers, or even anxious ideas about the future--the end result is a clearer mind, a lighter heart, and a calmer body.

Contact Me

If this interests you, contact me to learn more about me, my practice, and the possibility of working together. I offer free phone or email consultations to help you decide if you want to schedule an appointment. Call me at (828) 333-2280 or email me at joe@joew-lpc.com.