EMDR is a way to process memories. When we go through disturbing or traumatic events our bodies have a strong emotional charge which can overwhelm our processing system. There are times when the right side of the brain is not connecting with the left side and vice versa. These memories in a way get stuck. Together we clarify and strengthen the positive adaptive network and identify the negative neural network. EMDR uses dual focus and attention with alternating bilateral stimulation. The distracting bilateral stimulation reactivates our adaptive system. The result is memory consolidation where our memory network keeps what is healthy and lets go of no longer useful sensations, beliefs, and emotions.
EMDR is an evidence-based, clinician led, psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. This impairs the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive manner. The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach, which targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges, results in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, a decrease or elimination of distress from the disturbing memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers. EMDR therapy is a therapeutic intervention that must be administered by an EMDR trained clinician or those who are currently participating in an EMDR International Association Approved training.
EMDR typically involves several phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.
If you have disturbing emotions and sensations which are triggered in the present EMDR can be extremely helpful.