EMDR Therapy
What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a very effective therapeutic treatment that helps people heal from unresolved trauma. In addition to symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR is a useful approach for treating a variety of mental health issues, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
The History of EMDR
EMDR was first discovered in the late 1980s as the psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro explored how trauma gets stored in the brain. Different from “normal” memories, traumatic memories have a way of getting “stuck” in the nervous system, triggering flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and anxiety. Shapiro’s research determined that these distressing memories could be targeted using side-to-side eye movement, otherwise known as bilateral stimulation, which effectively rewires the brain and nervous system response.
Since its development, EMDR has gone on to become one of the most researched trauma treatments. A range of organizations—including the American Psychological Association (APA and World Health Organization (WHO)—recommend EMDR in therapy for a wide range of issues. It’s also been verified as a safe method for adults, teens, and children. As long as a client is able to visualize the traumatic experience in some way, they are a great candidate for this treatment approach.
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How Does The EMDR Therapy Process Work?
At Jessica Bolden Psychotherapy Group, we use EMDR in therapy for adults experiencing the negative effects of unresolved trauma on their lives. Whether their trauma manifests as symptoms of PTSD or other mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or compulsive behaviors, EMDR can offer a sense of lasting healing and relief.
Trauma occurs because when we are put in situations that signal danger or distress, our nervous system kicks into high gear—but then never really escapes the initial stress response. In this way, trauma doesn’t give our brains the opportunity to recover; instead, it keeps us stuck in a cycle of stress and anxiety because the threat of danger is still imminent.
EMDR interrupts this pattern by changing the way that trauma is stored and activated. During an EMDR therapy session, you will gently access a difficult memory by recalling a specific image or sensation. Then, an EMDR therapist will combine side-to-side eye movements with guided instructions to essentially interrupt the negative feedback loop and rewire your brain’s stress response.
As you repeat the steps of EMDR, you heal the injury at the core of traumatic memories as you experience immediate relief from your symptoms. Though you will still remember what happened, the feelings associated with the memory will be far more manageable and less triggering.
How EMDR Differs From Other Forms Of Therapy
Many forms of talk therapy can be helpful in addressing surface-level symptoms and are often used alongside EMDR. However, as a body-based approach, EMDR gets to the core of the discomfort caused by trauma, nurturing the healing process from the inside out. This allows for a more lasting and profound sense of peace and calm.
Furthermore, the EMDR process is often brief because the effects are typically immediate. And because EMDR on its own is a relatively nonverbal therapy, many clients find the experience to be gentle and effective, reporting relief from symptoms after just a few sessions.
What To Expect When Using EMDR At Our Practice
Our therapists are committed to providing accessible and efficient counseling services. Around the time of the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we noticed our clients were experiencing a great deal of anxiety, distress, and relationship obstacles. So, our therapists became certified in EMDR as a way to support clients on their journey.
We take a holistic approach to healing and partner with a range of providers to ensure that treatment is comprehensive. Our practice has a doctor, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, and several massage therapists on staff who can assist with bodywork, medication management, and any other services that can be incorporated into trauma treatment using EMDR.
Immediate Relief Is Within Reach
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or bogged down by the effects of unresolved trauma on your life, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a counseling approach we use at Jessica Bolden Psychotherapy Group to help clients heal and take control of their lives. Contact us to schedule an EMDR appointment or learn more about how we can help.
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