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What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused approach that helps the brain and body rewire experiences that may feel “stuck” in your brain and body. Some examples include what's called big "T" trauma like natural disasters, car accidents or loss of loved ones, as well as little "t" trauma, like neglect, family dysfunction and ongoing harm.
Rather than verbally reliving and making meaning of your past experiences, EMDR supports the nervous system in safely reprocessing those memories so they feel less overwhelming, reactive, or emotionally charged over time.
Rooted in an understanding of how trauma shapes the neurobiology of both the mind and body, EMDR helps expand your window of tolerance, allowing you to overcome triggers that would otherwise cause you to shut down or become overwhelmed.
Engaging the EMDR protocol in therapy is a compassionate way to build resilience and restore a sense of agency and connection with the world around you.
How DoeS EMDR Work?
EMDR is a structured eight phase protocol which can be applied in a shorter timeframe to address a specific memory, trigger or experience, as well as within the frame of ongoing talk therapy to support a longer therapeutic arc. The phases of EMDR include the following.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Reviewing your past and identifying which memories or experiences you want to work on
Phase 2: Preparation
Ensuring you have coping skills to tolerate the distress that arises during EMDR
Phase 3: Assessment
Detailed evaluation of a specific memory or trigger
Phase 4: Desensitization
Reprocessing a memory or trigger while engaging bilateral stimulation
Phases 5-7: Post-Processing Support
Developing a favorable meaning related to your past experience, completing a body scan and regulating your nervous system
Phase 8: Re-evaluation
Ensuring the memory or trigger is fully resolved
What many people think of as EMDR are phases 3 and 4, where clients are guided to briefly revisit memories, emotions, body sensations or beliefs connected to past trauma while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as eye movement, body tapping, or auditory cues.
Once you complete phases 1-8 for a specific memory, we move onto reprocessing additional related experiences as needed. We can also come back to the original memory over time to ensure its resolved.
IS EMDR RIGHT FOR ME?
My clients seek out EMDR when talk therapy has not "resolved" the distress that arises in their body. Though you may have created meaning and even accepted the events of your life, your nervous system and the neurobiology of your brain may still fight to let go of the learned responses that once kept you safe.
Skills You Pick Up Through Trying EMDR:
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Building a safe-enough relationship with another human
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Learning to decode the language of your nervous system
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Using somatic tools when you become anxious, overwhelmed or panicky
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Engaging mindfulness and visualization to enhance ease and calm
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Recognizing outdated behavioral patterns of coping
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Identifying how context impacted your life trajectory
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Making sense of the past and letting go of harmful beliefs
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Re-parenting and parts work to support old wounds
