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. EMDR 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?
EMDR 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 EMDR 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. EMDR is emotionally and mentally taxing. EMDR allows clients
space to work through past memories, which are already causing pain or self-deprication.
EMDR 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 EMDR. This is not concerning as EMDR uses a sleep function, so the brain
continues to process after session, into REM. Other side-effects may be considered astiredness after a session. EMDR 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 Saint 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
