EMDR
What is EMDR?
One of the tools I may suggest using at some point during the course of therapy is EMDR.
EMDR is a method of psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. The brain processes traumatic memory differently than regular memory. Sometimes trauma memories are not integrated in the normal way, instead becoming "stuck" as if frozen in time in the body and the mind. Remembering a trauma may feel just as bad as going through the original trauma because the images, body sensations, sounds, smells, and feelings have not changed. Trauma memories often interfere with the way a person views the world, the way a person feels about him or herself, and the way s/he relates to other people.
Just like a wound cannot heal when there is debris in it, the brain may not be able to process a trauma memory. EMDR provides the assistance the brain needs to get moving smoothly again so that normal information processing resumes and the person no longer has to relive the uncomfortable feelings and images when reminded of the traumatic event. The memories will still be there, but the trauma will feel like something that happened in the past. EMDR helps people see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, that is stimulation to one side of the body and then the other, to activate both sides of the brain. Examples of bilateral stimulation include back and forth eye movements or tapping on one knee and then the other. I prefer "tappers" that are held in the hands or tucked under the legs and deliver vibration first to one side and then the other.
During an EMDR therapy session, I will help you activate the memory network where the trauma is stored and then add bilateral stimulation to accelerate information processing. During EMDR, you may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a significant reduction in level of disturbance.
EMDR can work quickly, however the number of sessions you will need depends upon a variety of factors. The PTSD research shows that a single trauma can be treated with just 3 EMDR sessions; however multiple traumas require more treatment. People with long histories of child abuse for example, will not be treated completely in only a few sessions. There are other factors as well, including a client's comfort and readiness to be in touch with difficult emotions.
I never do EMDR during a first therapy session. I need one or more sessions to understand your history and the nature of your trauma and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. When you and I both decide that it is time to use EMDR, I will ask you to schedule a double session (one hour and 40 minutes) to allow plenty of time for complete processing.
