EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This modality is often used for trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, somatic situations, and depression. This modality can be used for chronic or single-incident traumas. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the 80s with the goal of helping individuals process difficult experiences.
Later, EMDR was used on Vietnam Veterans and there was a huge improvement for these individuals in their emotionality related to situations they experienced overseas. Today, there is a litany of world and nation-wide agencies that recognize and utilize EMDR including the Office of Veteran Affairs.
What is EMDR?
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing uses the body’s natural REM sleep process while you are fully awake, conscious, and in control to process traumatic or difficult memories through bi-lateral stimulation. REM sleep is a facet of your sleep cycle which is used by your subconscious to work through stressors from your day. That way, for example, when you reapproach the intersection where you were cut off yesterday, you are not fearful because your brain processed being cut off as unintentional and it lets the memory go.
This sounds idyllic however, sometimes, things happen in life which are too complex for REM sleep to process, such as trauma. This results in poor sleep and elements of mental health disorders- all based on unprocessed events. These things follow us into our present day and cause issues including challenging our sense of self, and self-identity.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR allows your brain to go into REM-like function using BLS or bi-lateral stimulation. Some providers use a light bar to achieve this BLS, others use headphones for a bi-lateral beep, and many use small tappers or vibrating handles.
Will it hurt?
EMDR does not physically hurt. It is emotionally and mentally taxing. It allows clients space to work through past memories, which are already causing pain or self-deprication. It makes space for the emotional pain around memories to fall off. So, EMDR does not cause pain however, it is draining. It would be a good idea to have a relaxed day plan after your first EMDR session, until you know how your mind/body will respond.
What are the side-effects?
EMDR does not have any official side-effects. There is the potential for clients to have strange dreams after a session. This is not concerning as it uses a sleep function, so the brain continues to process after session, into REM. Other side-effects may be considered astiredness after a session. It also allows for your emotions to come to the surface which may result in feeling tearful after a session. If you feel this way, letting your therapist know really helps as some of this feeling can be reduced through additional BLS sets.
If my life is built off of a belief from an unprocessed memory, what happens to me when I process it?
The cool thing about EMDR is you are able to change beliefs about yourself. So, what happens to you is, well… whatever you want! As your therapist conducting EMDR, I can assure you that we will do much resourcing before proceeding including building space for compartmentalization and safety.
What do I need to bring to prepare?
There is nothing you need to do before coming into session. I would encourage a bottle of water and making sure to eat prior to session, but- neither of these things are a requirement.
How do I pick where to start?
Bring your trauma into St. Augustine Counseling and engage in a conversation with a therapist! This will help determine touchstone, or first/worst, experiences where EMDR can be started.
We are looking forward to working with you! For more questions, or concerns, please contact the office to learn more.
Written By: Bethany Kleinhans, LCSW,
EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist
