How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has gained significant popularity as a treatment for trauma, though some individuals remain skeptical upon first hearing about it. Given the rise in wellness trends, it is understandable why some might question whether this therapeutic technique is merely another passing fad. However, EMDR is supported by a growing body of research, and its benefits extend beyond trauma treatment. This blog post offers a comprehensive look at how EMDR works, what to expect from the therapy, and why it has garnered recognition for its ability to produce lasting results in a relatively short amount of time. Whether interested in how EMDR might be beneficial or seeking a deeper understanding of this unique therapeutic approach, read on to learn more.
How EMDR Works
One key aspect that makes EMDR unique is its highly integrative nature. Psychodynamic therapy helps clients explore and make connections with their past, cognitive behavioral therapy facilitates the modification of thoughts and beliefs, and somatic therapy enhances trauma treatment by addressing physiological components. EMDR combines these elements in a way that is both effective and holistic. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the left brain, EMDR also activates the right brain, bridging the gap between the cognitive and emotional aspects of healing.
This integration is important because many individuals may feel they understand a problem intellectually but struggle to connect emotionally. Traditional talk therapy can sometimes be a slow process in addressing this disconnect, but EMDR facilitates faster, more profound changes by working with both the mind and body. By incorporating the latest insights in neuroscience, EMDR helps clients achieve more lasting and impactful results than other methods focused solely on intellectual understanding.
What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
So, what does the EMDR process entail? Below is an outline of some of the most significant changes EMDR facilitates.
Connecting the Dots Between Past and Present
Exploring the connection between past experiences and present challenges is a central aspect of many therapeutic approaches. EMDR, however, uniquely maps the problems clients bring into therapy to their origins. One technique commonly used is called the “floatback technique,” where clients are invited to identify a core belief and the emotions associated with a present issue, then allow themselves to "float back" to past experiences where similar feelings occurred. This often reveals a clear connection between past memories and present struggles.
Desensitizing Past Experiences
Once significant or formative past experiences are identified, EMDR interventions work to reduce the emotional charge associated with those memories. By activating the memory and bringing it into working memory, EMDR techniques such as bilateral eye movements or butterfly tapping are employed. These interventions help lower the intensity of memories, making them less triggering. This is the “D” in EMDR, standing for “desensitization.” Clients often report that previously distressing memories become less intense after processing.
Reprocessing Past Experiences
In addition to desensitization, EMDR provides an opportunity for reprocessing past experiences. Once memories are less emotionally charged, they can be re-contextualized from a present-day perspective, leading to more adaptive narratives. For example, a child who believed their parents’ divorce was their fault may come to understand, from an adult perspective, that it had nothing to do with them. This “R” in EMDR, standing for “reprocessing,” is integral to the therapeutic process, as it enables clients to reshape their internal beliefs and emotional responses to past events.
Building and Strengthening Internal Resources
Another important component of EMDR is the development and reinforcement of internal resources. These tools may include grounding and regulation techniques that help clients better manage their nervous system, as well as the positive, adaptive beliefs and coping mechanisms that emerge during the therapy process.
Why EMDR Works
Several theories explain the effectiveness of EMDR. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, the following hypotheses help clarify why EMDR can produce such significant results:
Memory Reprocessing: Some evidence suggests that when memories are brought into working memory, they become malleable. While this does not mean false memories can be implanted, it does mean that the associations linked to those memories—such as emotions and beliefs—can be altered. For instance, a memory once associated with shame might later be linked to compassion and self-acceptance.
Working Memory Taxation: It is hypothesized that desensitization occurs because EMDR interventions tax working memory. By activating a memory and simultaneously introducing distractions—such as following eye movements or solving simple math problems—EMDR may weaken the intensity of the memory when it is re-stored.
Neuroplasticity: EMDR may facilitate the formation of new neural pathways by integrating positive and negative neural networks. Just as well-travelled paths become easier to follow, the brain can form new, healthier connections, particularly after traumatic experiences. This process, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to "rewrite" past memories with more adaptive associations.
Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR also uses techniques that alternately stimulate the right and left sides of the body, such as eye movements, which are thought to mimic REM sleep. Some theories suggest that this process helps integrate both the emotional and cognitive aspects of a memory, while others propose that bilateral stimulation has a regulatory effect that helps clients remain grounded during difficult processing.
Will EMDR Help Me?
EMDR is considered an evidence-based therapy due to the substantial research supporting its effectiveness. While it is most widely known for its treatment of trauma and PTSD, its benefits extend to a variety of issues beyond these areas.
It is important to note that EMDR is not the only therapeutic approach that can yield positive results, and many of the techniques used in EMDR are also found in other modalities, such as parts work or guided visualization. Every client’s needs and goals are unique, so EMDR may not be the most appropriate or necessary approach for everyone.
However, many clients have experienced substantial improvements in a relatively short period of time through EMDR. While there are no guarantees, the therapy has proven highly effective for many individuals.
If you’re interested in exploring EMDR therapy, reach out for a consultation to talk more.