EMDR - What It Is
EMDR is different from traditional modes of talk therapy. It works directly with the brain’s functioning, and therefore it is not necessary for you to share detailed information about the event or memory. Instead, the therapist will ask you to hold that memory in your mind, along with relevant thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, while she leads you through a series of bilateral stimulations.
In the early days of EMDR, that stimulation was always side to side eye movements. Today, you have a choice of various ways to stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain. You may still follow your therapist’s finger or other object with your eyes. You may also choose listening to auditory tones or hold small “tappers” in your hands that will buzz alternately.
EMDR - How It Works
EMDR works on the premise that the mind wants to heal and typically will do so itself. Have you ever had the experience of being very hurt or angry, but then after a night’s rest, you find that you are less upset and maybe even feel settled on a way to resolve or manage the problem? Or have you ever felt really stressed, but felt better after a good walk or run outside? You have experienced the brain’s natural healing! The bilateral stimulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the bilateral rhythm of your footfalls when walking actually help your brain to process through problems and emotions. But sometimes an event becomes “stuck” and our brains have more difficulty processing it effectively. This can often happen if our nervous system response kicked into flight/flight response during the event. And if we have more and more similar experiences, those events may actually attach and strengthen that “stuck” pattern. EMDR works by helping the brain to reprocess those memories–to loosen connections between negative experiences and create opportunity for more adaptive and positive skills
But, Wait! Does EMDR Really Work? Really?
Yes, really! People have experienced relief from traumatic memories that have persisted for years. Brain scans even shows the reduction in brain over-activity that is typical with traumatic response.
Three of our therapists at Lake Norman Family Therapy are trained to utilize EMDR with clients: Nichole Finger, Angela Huggins, and Hannah Sturgill. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about EMDR and if it may be right for you. Just looking for some more information? Check out these the EMDR International Association and the EMDR Institute for detailed information about EMDR, research, and outcomes.
