What is EMDR?
JULY 22, 2019
Have you heard of EMDR?
EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an evidence based therapy model that was originally created to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress. However, since it was initially created there has been substantial research evidence to support it as an effective and efficient way of treating several other mental health concerns, including but not limited to varying forms of anxiety, depression and other mood concerns, grief, trauma, performance issues, phobias, and much more.
So how does EMDR actually work?
EMDR is an 8 phase structured approach to psychotherapy that taps into the body’s natural healing processes. When you break a bone, what does the healing process usually look like? Well, typically the Doctor will put a cast on and we then allow for the body to heal the injury itself. Our brain has a similar processing system that naturally moves towards healing and health, but can sometimes become blocked or overwhelmed. EMDR helps our brains get ‘unstuck’ and complete the natural healing process.
Our brain’s job is to protect us, and when we have overwhelming experiences our brain will look for other connections in our environment or experiences with the aim to protect us. Sometimes the little protector in our brain keeps us from being able to fully integrate an experience, and can create a memory network that blocks us from being able to process in a healthy and adaptive way. Sometimes the experiences or memories that block us from moving towards healing are really clear and sometimes it may be surprising to discover the memories that are connected to current suffering.
EMDR taps into the brain’s inherent and natural healing capacity by using bi-lateral stimulation. Bi-lateral stimulation is done through eye-movements, tapping, tones, or buzzers that stimulate a sensory experience of going from left to right, diagonal, or side to side. This bi-lateral stimulation mimics a similar process that happens during REM (rapid eye-movement) sleep, which is a period of sleep where processing typically occurs. The beautiful thing about EMDR is that this processing is happening while you’re awake and in control, and with the support and presence of a licensed professional.
Who can use EMDR?
In order to receive EMDR, it is important to find a mental health professional who has completed, at minimum, an EMDRIA approved EMDR Basic Training. You can also find mental health professionals who have completed further training in EMDR and may be on the road to full certification as a Certified EMDRIA Therapist, Trainer, or Supervisor. At Verity Counselling, Riley Strom is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified EMDRIA Therapist. To learn more about EMDR or to inquire about receiving EMDR therapy, check out our website’s EMDR page here.