The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: Who Can Benefit From It?
The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: Who Can Benefit from It?
Imagine living a life free from the burdens that have been holding you back – that's the promise of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation, including eye movements, taps, or sounds, to help process traumatic memories and alleviate their emotional intensity. According to the EMDR International Association, “EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume.” It's a highly effective treatment method for those suffering from conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or various forms of trauma. Continue reading to explore what EMDR therapy is and how it works.
What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a unique form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from the lingering effects of trauma. This therapy is based on the premise that traumatic experiences can disrupt the brain's natural information processing, resulting in symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
The process involves eight distinct phases:
History Taking and Treatment Planning: In this initial phase, you and your therapist identify the traumatic memories causing distress and the positive beliefs you want to reinforce.
Preparation and Stabilization: You and your therapist establish a trusting relationship and learn coping skills to manage emotional reactions that may arise during therapy.
Target Assessment: In this short but crucial phase, you and your therapist will work jointly to identify the memory (sometimes referred to as the target event), as well as connected imagery, negative self-beliefs, painful emotions and/or physical sensations, to be worked on during reprocessing. Once established, your baseline levels will be assessed using the Validity of Cognition Scale (VOC) and Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS) in order to evaluate changes in emotion and cognition moving forward in your treatment.
Desensitization: During this phase, eye movements or other forms of stimulation are used to activate the traumatic memory while focusing on a neutral or positive aspect of it. This helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory and change your perspective.
Installation: The positive belief you wish to associate with the memory is reinforced during this phase, promoting healing and recovery.
Body Scan: Any physical sensations or discomfort linked to the memory are addressed in this phase.
Closure: You and your therapist review your accomplishments in the session and provide support and guidance for the next one.
Reevaluation: Progress is monitored, and necessary adjustments are made, with the help of your therapist’s guidance. Here is where it is determined if more work is necessary in order to properly complete the reprocessing phases (phases 4-7), or future targets may be selected for continued treatment, if appropriate.
EMDR therapy's effectiveness lies in its ability to influence the central executive system known as working memory: the part of the mind that allows us to operate successfully in life, completing our goals and subgoals by storing the useful information needed to execute these planned actions. By practicing dual taxation of working memory – including, but not limited to, recalling a distressing memory while performing a secondary task like rapid eye movement – the crucial process of memory consolidation and emotional regulation can occur. EMDR therapy utilizes this cognitive function to help you reorganize your memories in a more adaptive way. When stimulating both sides of your brain while also simultaneously evoking a memory, competition for limited working memory resources can occur, resulting in “blurred” or less emotionally charged recalls. In addition, it activates the brain's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system, promoting the innate ability to heal from psychological wounds. Finally, it enhances the brain's neuroplasticity, allowing for positive changes in brain structure and function to occur.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, including those who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events that have affected their mental health and well-being. It is suitable for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, men, women, people from different cultures and backgrounds, those with various types of trauma, and those experiencing varying levels of symptom severity and duration.
Research and clinical experience have shown that EMDR therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, improving the quality of life, enhancing self-esteem, and increasing resilience. It has been endorsed and validated by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some unique benefits of EMDR therapy include:
No Detailed Retelling: Unlike some other therapies, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about your traumatic experiences, making it more comfortable for some individuals.
No Repeated Reliving: EMDR does not force you to repeatedly relive traumatic experiences, which can be retraumatizing for some people and potentially unravel gains previously made.
No Homework Assignments: EMDR therapy does not rely on homework assignments or exposure exercises, allowing you to work at your own pace.
No Medication Dependency: EMDR does not depend on medication or drugs; instead, it harnesses your natural resources and abilities to facilitate healing.
Finding An EMDR Provider
EMDR therapy is a scientifically proven and clinically effective method for helping people heal from trauma. It offers hope and healing to those who have experienced a wide range of traumatic events. If you've been hesitant to seek treatment or have found other therapies ineffective, EMDR therapy could be the path to your recovery.
At Freedom Counseling Group, we understand the importance of finding the right therapy for your specific needs. Our team of dedicated professionals specialize in various areas of therapy, in addition to all our therapists being trained and experienced in EMDR therapy. We are here to provide you with competent, specialized treatment and help you regain confidence and focus in your life. Our highly qualified and compassionate therapists are committed to finding the treatment method that fits your needs and will kickstart your journey towards healing and regaining your freedom.
If you or a loved one is dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns or other trauma-related issues, Freedom Counseling Group can help. Fill out our online form or call to get matched with a licensed therapist and schedule your free phone consultation today. Please note that we can only provide therapy services to those in California, Texas or Florida at this time – both in-person and virtual services are available.