Unlocking the Past: What is EMDR Therapy and How Does it Work?
What is EMDR?
EMDR is based on the idea that when a person experiences trauma, the memory of that event can become "stuck" or improperly processed in the brain. This is why you might experience things like flashbacks, nightmares, or intense emotional reactions when you encounter a trigger—your brain can't distinguish between the past event and the present moment.
EMDR therapy is a structured approach that aims to "digest" these unprocessed memories, allowing them to be stored in the brain in a way that is no longer distressing or overwhelming.
How Does it Work?
The core of EMDR involves what's called bilateral stimulation (BLS).
Recall the Memory: Working with a trained therapist, you will briefly focus on the upsetting memory—including the associated negative image, self-belief (like "I am helpless"), emotion, and body sensation.
Bilateral Stimulation: While holding the memory in your mind, the therapist will guide you through sets of bilateral stimulation. This typically involves side-to-side eye movements (following the therapist's hand or a light), but can also be alternating sounds or taps.
Processing and Reprocessing: The bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain's natural healing process, possibly by mimicking the brain activity that occurs during REM sleep. This process helps your brain to reprocess the traumatic memory. As you continue, the vividness and emotion tied to the memory begin to fade.
Positive Belief: The goal is to reach a point where the memory is no longer disturbing and to replace the negative self-belief with a more positive one (like "I am safe now" or "I am in control").
Essentially, EMDR helps your brain shift the memory from an emotionally charged, immediate threat response to a normal, less distressing narrative from the past. For many people, this can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms like anxiety, PTSD, and emotional pain in just a few sessions.
If you are struggling with trauma or distress, EMDR is a highly recommended treatment. Talk to a licensed mental health professional at Cairn Counseling Services LLC who is trained in EMDR to see if it is the right path for your healing journey.