The Science Behind EMDR: How It Works to Address Trauma
Brittany Barberian • April 4, 2023
Introduction
Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental and emotional health. For many, traditional talk therapy may not be enough to help them process their traumatic experiences. Fortunately, there are alternative forms of psychotherapy that can be highly effective in treating trauma. One such approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s to help people process and move past traumatic experiences. The goal of EMDR is to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories that may have become "stuck" and to reduce the intensity of the associated negative emotions.
How EMDR Works
EMDR has been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It is thought to work by helping the individual reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that allows them to move past it.
EMDR therapy typically involves a series of phases, including an initial assessment, preparation, the EMDR session, and reevaluation. During the EMDR session, the individual focuses on a specific traumatic memory while participating in bilateral stimulation, which may include eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones. The bilateral stimulation is thought to help the individual process the traumatic memory and reprogram the brain's response to it.
One theory is that EMDR helps the individual access and process the memory in a way that mimics the brain's natural processing of memories during REM sleep. This may help the individual integrate the traumatic experience into their overall life story, rather than being stuck in the trauma.
Another theory is that the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR may help desensitize the individual to the traumatic memory, reducing the emotional charge associated with it.
Why is EMDR Effective?
One reason EMDR is effective is that it engages both sides of the brain to help process the traumatic memory. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is thought to activate the same mechanisms that the brain uses during REM sleep to process and consolidate memories. This can help reduce the emotional charge associated with the traumatic memory, making it easier to process and integrate into the individual's overall life story.
EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Studies have also found that EMDR may be as effective as other evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
How to Get Started with EMDR
If you are interested in exploring EMDR as a treatment option for trauma-related symptoms, the first step is to find a qualified EMDR therapist. Look for a therapist who is trained and certified in EMDR and has experience working with trauma survivors. Compass of Hope PLLC specializes in EMDR and works closely with patients to overcome trauma through EMDR treatment.
During your initial consultation, the therapist will assess your history and symptoms to determine whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment option for you. If it is, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. You can schedule a consultation appointment with us here, or contact us to discuss how EMDR could release you from the burden of reliving your trauma.
In addition to traditional in-person EMDR sessions, there are also virtual options available for those who may not have access to a qualified EMDR therapist in their area. It is important to note, however, that virtual sessions may not be as effective as in-person sessions for some individuals.
Conclusion
Trauma can have a lasting impact on an individual's mental and emotional health, but it is possible to heal and move forward. EMDR is a powerful tool for treating trauma-related symptoms and helping individuals reprocess traumatic experiences in a way that allows them to move past them. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, consider reaching out to a qualified EMDR therapist to explore this treatment option.
Learn how polyvagal theory in therapy and applied positive psychology support nervous system regulation, improving resilience, safety, and emotional healing.
Learn how to set healthy boundaries, reduce people-pleasing, and build stronger relationships through responsibility, freedom, and emotional clarity.
A reflection on self-awareness, healing after hurt, and nurturing secure, authentic relationships with yourself and the people around you.
Many clients and prospective clients solely focus on coping skills in their treatment. Coping skills are valuable tools in recovery and symptom management but there are additional actions you can take to build resiliency and improve your situation. Focusing on what needs to be done or changed all the time can lead to burnout or feelings of inadequacy. Improving symptoms and overall mental health does not have to be hard work all the time! It can be helpful for clients to balance the hard work and effort they are doing with “lighter” actions/activities. What can having fun look like? Having fun has a different meaning for everyone, think of activities or hobbies that you enjoy. Are you a sports fanatic? A crocheter? A reader? Maybe you like to watch reality television? Clients often do not consider how the things they do for enjoyment or just to pass the time can help process their mood, feelings, or symptoms. A clinician can see these same activities as their client practicing mindfulness, self care, and/or symptom management! How can relationships improve mental health? Anyone can benefit from having natural supports, meaning any person in your life who does not have a professional relationship with you. Natural supports can look like friends, family, fellow members of your church, recreational sports team, book club, etc. Any of these people you have a positive relationship with can be a natural support! Natural supports can help provide emotional and mental support when you are dealing with a stubbed toe, a major crisis, or anything in between. Why is this important for your mental health? Balancing the work and effort you are making every day with time spent doing enjoyable and/or relaxing activities helps build your resiliency. Resiliency is the capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties. Resiliency is crucial with managing mental health symptoms because it will help carry you through every day stressors and can help make major stressors easier to deal with. Alix Reilley LCMHC Candidate Source: NAVIGATE Individual Resiliency Training Manual 2014
Does your child feel anxious, scared, or stressed as they begin the new school year? These are common feelings that come up for kids as they anticipate the separation from their parents or caregivers, being in a new environment, and meeting new people. Many kids also feel stressed about adjusting to a new daily routine with higher academic expectations.
Coping skills are often associated with breathing techniques, meditation, and grounding techniques as stand alone skills. However, many people don’t realize they can integrate these skills into their hobbies, such as crafting. Many people struggle with certain aspects of coping skills that require them to focus and remain still, or may need replacement behaviors for harmful or maladaptive coping skills. But how can we combine hobbies and coping skills? Mindfulness Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, without judging or trying to change it. This involves observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them. Sounds difficult right? It can be, but this blog is going to help you find ways you already practice mindfulness or help you develop a way to do so. Spending too much time planning, problem-solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world around you. Mindfulness and Crafting While meditation, yoga, and walking are common mindful activities, crafting is a fun alternative. Crafting may help reduce stress in people, as well as develop creative confidence, skills, and aid in stress around perfectionism.. Not only is crafting fun, but playing with shapes, colors, and textures is stimulating and emotionally rewarding, as seen in the benefits of art therapy. Some great crafts to complete mindfully are: Crocheting/Knitting: crochet and knitting are wonderful mindfulness practices as the process can be meditative and repetitive for ease of focus, but crafters can also mindfully focus on the minor aspects of each step to note the beautiful creation that arises. Painting: By focusing on the present moment, mindful painting can help quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and foster a deeper connection with oneself. Coloring: coloring requires sustained attention and concentration that create beautiful outcomes; patterns can be detailed and intricate or simple and enjoyable, perfect for anyone to try. Many more!
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a form of therapy that was created to treat depression, specifically treatment-resistant depression. Developed by Zindel Segal, John Teasdale, and Mark Williams, MBCT combines elements of cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation. Research has shown that MBCT creates structural changes within brain areas that are associated with depression (Brewer et al., 2011). This means that MBCT reforms the brain, something that antidepressant medications have not been shown to do. This blog post will introduce the main ideas behind MBCT and briefly review the research backing this effective treatment option.
Review the basic framework of therapy sessions and treatment approaches in mental health counseling
Connecting mindfulness and meditation with therapy while providing an approachable meditation routine.
Dream analysis is often misunderstood or overlooked in therapy, but research shows it can be a powerful tool with many benefits for treatment. It can help clients gain self-awareness, engage more deeply in therapy, and address and explore core issues. It also can help foster a safe, trusting environment, helping therapists understand their clients better. Using dream analysis can provide a degree of separation that has even been used to support terminal cancer patients, helping them discuss difficult topics like health and mortality.