EMDR: What Is it?

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a powerful and innovative approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy has gained recognition and popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in helping individuals heal from the deep wounds of trauma.

At its core, EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with PTSD. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories and reframe their perception of the traumatic event. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy focuses on accessing and reprocessing traumatic memories at a deeper neurological level.

Understanding PTSD

Before delving into how EMDR therapy works, it's essential to have a basic understanding of PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by a range of distressing symptoms, including intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors.

Trauma can have a profound impact on the brain and disrupt its natural ability to process and integrate traumatic memories. These memories become "stuck" in the nervous system, leading to the persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event. This emotional and cognitive dysregulation can significantly impair an individual's daily functioning and overall well-being.

How does EMDR therapy work?

EMDR therapy works by stimulating the brain's natural healing processes to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce the distressing symptoms associated with PTSD. The therapy involves a series of standardized protocols and techniques that guide the therapist and the client through the eight phases of EMDR treatment.

One of the primary techniques used in EMDR therapy is bilateral stimulation. This can be achieved through eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. By engaging in bilateral stimulation while simultaneously focusing on the traumatic memory, EMDR therapy helps facilitate the integration of the traumatic memory into the brain's existing memory network. This allows the individual to gain new insights, perspectives, and emotions regarding the traumatic event.

Throughout the therapy session, the client is guided to follow the therapist's hand movements or listen to alternating sounds, which stimulates both sides of the brain. This bilateral stimulation activates the brain's information processing system and helps to desensitize the distress associated with the traumatic memory. Over time, the intensity of the distressing emotions and physical sensations diminishes, allowing the individual to heal and move forward.

The eight phases of EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy consists of eight distinct phases, each serving a specific purpose in the treatment process. These phases provide a structured framework for both the therapist and the client, ensuring that the therapy progresses in a systematic and effective manner.

• Phase 1: History taking - In this initial phase, the therapist gathers information about the client's history, trauma, and current symptoms. This helps establish a strong therapeutic alliance and enables the therapist to tailor the treatment to the client's specific needs.
• Phase 2: Preparation - The preparation phase focuses on establishing safety, building trust, and developing coping skills. The therapist helps the client develop effective strategies to manage distress and ensures they have the necessary support outside of therapy sessions.
• Phase 3-6: Assessment and reprocessing - These phases involve identifying and targeting specific traumatic memories for reprocessing. The therapist guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation exercises while simultaneously focusing on the traumatic memory. This process allows the client to integrate new insights and perspectives into their existing memory network.
• Phase 7: Closure - Closure is an essential phase that ensures each therapy session ends on a positive note. The therapist and client work together to ensure the client feels stable and grounded before leaving the session.
• Phase 8: Reevaluation - In the final phase, the therapist assesses the progress made throughout the therapy and determines if any additional sessions are necessary. This phase helps ensure the client has achieved their treatment goals and provides an opportunity to address any remaining issues.

Comparing CPT and EMDR: Insights into PTSD Treatment Efficacy

CPT, a well-established PTSD treatment, focuses on restructuring cognitive patterns to alter survivors' perceptions of their experiences and their worldview. This approach, favored by Nema and many other programs, demonstrates superior clinical outcomes and enhanced social functionality, making it a preferred first-line treatment.

CPT primarily targets the modification of maladaptive thoughts associated with trauma, employing cognitive restructuring techniques to foster a more balanced perspective. Conversely, EMDR prioritizes the neurological reprocessing of traumatic memories.

EMDR, though effective, typically requires a longer duration than CPT, involving weeks or even months of preparation to equip patients with coping mechanisms. The process lacks a definitive timeline; each traumatic event is addressed individually and may span multiple sessions, resulting in a treatment duration ranging from several months to a year, depending on individual experiences and processing speed.

EMDR's adaptability extends to diverse demographics, particularly children and adolescents, and its effectiveness in addressing persistent negative emotions without altering cognitions surrounding trauma sets it apart. Additionally, EMDR accommodates a broader range of distressing events, such as infidelity, showcasing its versatility in trauma therapy.

Experiencing PTSD can be deeply challenging, and if this resonates with you or someone you care about, Nema is ready to assist. Our treatment, rooted in evidence, offers a compassionate path to quick and meaningful healing for those affected by trauma. Schedule a free consultation here to see how we can help.

About The Author:

Martina Bailey, LCSW (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Martina Bailey is a licensed therapist with 5 years of experience, specializing in early childhood trauma, complex trauma, racism, sexual assault, and grief. She is dedicated to empowering individuals, including refugees and first responders, to find stability and joy through evidence-based treatments. Certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR, Martina provides compassionate, trauma-informed care tailored to each client’s unique needs. She holds a graduate degree from Brigham Young University.

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