By Elyse Hibbs, LCSW and EMDR Certified Therapist
“I want you to think about the event while you follow my finger.” This is a statement I would have never fathomed myself saying to a client. Fast-forward to the present and EMDR is a daily intervention for me and the people I work with.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a specialized therapy that addresses the negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories. How do eyes desensitize and reprocess? When you are asleep and dreaming, you have rapid eye movement (REM), which is your brain processing memories from the day, a natural part of brain development, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. When you engage in EMDR therapy, those same benefits from REM are activated while you’re awake.
To support the reprocessing of traumatic events, your brain is stimulated by moving your eyes side-to-side, or by tapping your knees or shoulders, or by following sound. Your therapist will guide you to find a method that is most comfortable for you. Additionally, EMDR incorporates mindfulness, positive experiences, emotions, and sensations to help stay grounded.
To prepare for processing, your EMDR therapist will support you in identifying a negative belief that is attached to the traumatic memory. For example, “I’m worthless”. You will explore how this negative belief pops up in other memories, present and future. To challenge the negative belief, you will identify an adaptative belief that is real and true.
EMDR is different from therapy. You do not need to describe every detail. It’s not erasing memories, but changing the way you think about those memories and lessening the intensity of the feelings and emotions related to the event.
EMDR is unique in that relief may occur quickly (after a couple of sessions). Some people report feeling “lighter” because the memory doesn’t have the same intensity or charge or having a logical and emotional connection with their adaptative belief. For example, “I always knew that it wasn’t my fault. “I was just a kid; however, now I believe and feel it.” Some people experience fewer nightmares, intrusive thoughts, ruminations, or hyper-arousal. Other possible benefits include staying more present or focused, and improved relationships and the ability to regulate emotions.
Below are videos for a more visual explanation of EMDR. This is a specialized therapy, so when looking for a therapist, make sure the therapist is EMDR trained or certified. If you are interested in EMDR therapy at Growth Opportunity Center, please contact our Intake team at 215-947-8654 option 1.
You can also learn more by visiting the EMDRIA website. https://www.emdria.org/
