If you are looking to improve performance at work or in life, or you are needing practical and real relief from anxiety or phobias, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – EMDR – could be right for you.
EMDR and trauma
Life experiences and memories are normally processed and stored based on previous experiences, and our understanding of ourselves and the world. In trauma situations, there are no previous memory networks through which the event can be integrated in a healthy way. The traumatic event is left unprocessed and the brain gets stuck in a rut where it relives the event over and over as though it were happening now. In a previous post, I discussed how this causes the body to remain in a state of hyperarousal, because the brain continually signals it to respond in real time to the past distress.
About EMDR – What it can do
The technique of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) links those stuck neural ruts to other pathways in the brain, to integrate the previously unprocessed negative experiences. This diffuses the overwhelming emotions and deactivates the physical symptoms associated with the original trauma.
EMDR’s broad range of proven efficacy
Research consistently confirms EMDR’s efficacy in bringing fast and lasting relief to a range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, phobias, obsessive thinking, behavioural problems, and eating disorders. EMDR is also used to quickly build confidence and enhance performance for public speakers, artists and those wishing to relate more confidently in the world and life in general. EMDR works well for children and adolescents too – just be sure the therapist you choose has experience working with young people.
The Process
EMDR utilizes the technique of bilateral stimulation (BLS) to engage both hemispheres of the brain—like watching a back and forth volley in a tennis match. In my practice, I have a selection of devices to facilitate this, depending on what you feel most comfortable with. It could be as simple as following my fingers or a light source with your eyes from side to side, holding buzzers to produce a tapping sensation from hand to hand, or wearing headphones that emit a gentle beeping sound.
Preparation
EMDR seems simplistic in process, but it requires skilled support from a trained therapist to safely prepare you to recall traumatic events. When you choose to work with me, I will ensure you feel emotionally safe and strong enough to revisit distressing memories. I do this by sharing techniques for connecting you to positive and empowering emotions.
The Goal
The goal of EMDR is to reduce the distress surrounding your memories to a zero, and/or to enhance confidence and performance exponentially. This may take as little as two or three sessions to establish. However long it takes, if you stick with the process, you will see results.
Body Tension
Some people report feeling grounded and calm in their body following EMDR. I will work with you using the BLS (bilateral stimulation) until your body is free from tension and you feel more positive and confident. Scanning the body for tension is part of the process since it is possible for the body to hold onto negativity even though the mind has let it go.
Installing a positive belief
Once your distress is at zero, I will ask what you believe about yourself relating to the upsetting event. This could include feelings such as, “I am strong,” “ I am ok,” or, “I am normal.” Where a negative belief once existed, there will now be a positive belief about yourself and your abilities. The goal here is to strengthen that belief, using the same bilateral stimulation as before.
Closure
At the end of each session, I will help you find ways to ensure you feel contained and safe until the targeted distressing memory is fully processed and devoid of its ability to overwhelm you.
Added Benefits
One of the many upsides of EMDR is that is has the ability to produce generalized results. Psychotherapist Linzy Bonham puts it this way, “If you process a memory related to your parents being neglectful, other separate occasions where you’ve felt neglected may not bother you anymore.” Additionally, habits you didn’t know were connected to the memory may also subside, such as nail biting, for example. Many recipients of EMDR report an increase in self-esteem and a positive outlook for the future.
Here is one of my favorite Ted Talks on the subject of EMDR.
Also check out the following website:
http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/