EMDR is an evidence based revolutionary approach to healing trauma, developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, and used across the world by therapists in a variety of settings and contexts.
The standard protocol of EMDR is a structured therapeutic modality that has eight distinct phases, guided by the therapist:
History-taking and Treatment Planning: This is where a thorough assessment is conducted in order to identify the target issue, memories and/or experiences that we want to process based on the current/presenting issues at hand.
Preparation: This is where specific coping skills and relaxation skills are introduced and practiced (all of which can be used in contexts outside of EMDR session and as means of day-to-day tools for managing symptoms such as anxiety, stress, flashbacks).
Assessment: During this stage a set of questions called “float-back” will be asked in order to trace back and find the earliest memory (target memory) and the worst memory/experience related to the present issues at hand.
Desensitization: During this stage you will be guided to recall the targeted memory (with all its aspects, physiological/somatic/body sensation, image/memory, feeling, thought) while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (activation of the left and right hemisphere of the brain simultaneously) through eye movements or tactile stimulation (using tapping or holding EMDR tappers). This process will help reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memory being processed. After some time people describe experiencing the memory “as if it is far into the distance, or that they can recall the memory but don’t have much feelings associated with it”.
Installation: This is where positive beliefs start to substitute the initial negative belief associated with the memory. The positive belief then gets reinforced using bilateral stimulation and installed, along with any positive feelings and coping skills it presents with such as resilience, acceptance, amongst others.
Body scan: You are asked to scan your body for any residual possible left over sensations associated with the memory, and bilateral stimulation is conducted accordingly.
Closure: Each session ends with “containment”, where coping skills are reviewed and practiced in sessions, in order to ensure you leave the session well and are able to leave things in the session and/or manage them if anything arise outside of the session (which you will bring with you to the next session).
Reevaluation: This is where we collaboratively assess the progress and outcome of treatment after the initial phases have been completed to assess for any remaining distress or move to our next target.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions such as attachment trauma/wounds and related anxiety. Studies show that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance (which can present like anxiety symptoms) and avoidance behaviour; moreover, many report improvements in overall well-being and quality of life as this form of processing therapy allows for the rearranging of the already existing neural pathways in the brain.
If you have never done EMDR I usually tell my clients to plan for their sessions in a way that allows them for some recovery time afterwards, in case they need it. For example, don’t plan to go to work right after, aim to have a lighter day where you can rest or relax if possible.
Studies show that when doing EMDR the brain burns calories, so it can be like a workout (for your brain); thus, if you hear your stomach growling after our session don’t be too surprised! Take care of yourself and what your body is asking for.
Some clients report feeling tired, fatigued or irritable for a period of time after the session (this can vary from person to person). This however can decrease and/or subside as the sessions go on (usually after 2-3 sessions) dependant on the severity of what’s being processed. Thus, I encourage my clients to be gentle with themselves afterwards, allow their loved ones to know (if comfortable) that they might feel cranky or have the urge to isolate. This is all OK and expected, as it can very well be part of the process of reprocessing something difficult; and your body/mind adjusting to it, but it will get better as your system adjusts to it.
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