When a difficult or traumatic experience is over, we may expect the emotions connected to it to fade with time. But sometimes an experience continues to affect how we feel and respond long after it has passed.
A memory might bring up intense anxiety, fear, sadness, or physical reactions. Certain situations may trigger emotions that feel much bigger than the situation itself. Sometimes we may even understand logically that we are safe while still feeling as though our mind and body are responding to something from the past.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect them in the present.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR focuses on helping the brain process distressing memories differently.
During EMDR, a therapist uses something called bilateral stimulation, which involves alternating stimulation from one side of the body to the other. This may include guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
While engaging in bilateral stimulation, you are guided through a structured process that involves bringing aspects of a distressing memory to mind and allowing your brain to work through the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and beliefs connected to it.
The goal is not to erase the memory or pretend that an experience did not happen. Instead, EMDR aims to reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memory so that remembering it does not feel as overwhelming or disruptive.
What Happens During EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is more than simply thinking about a difficult memory while moving your eyes back and forth.
It is a structured therapeutic process. Before beginning memory processing, your therapist takes time to understand your history, what is bringing you to therapy, and the experiences or patterns you would like to work on.
Preparation is also an important part of the process. Your therapist will help you understand what to expect and develop strategies for managing difficult emotions that may arise.
When you are ready to begin processing, your therapist guides you through the experience while using bilateral stimulation. Throughout the process, you remain present and aware of what is happening.
EMDR therapy moves at a pace that takes your individual experiences, needs, and sense of emotional safety into account.
Do I Have to Talk About Everything in Detail?
One concern people sometimes have about trauma therapy is that they will need to describe every detail of a difficult experience.
EMDR does involve identifying memories and the thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations connected to them, but the focus is on processing the experience rather than repeatedly telling the entire story.
For some people, this can make EMDR an approachable option when talking extensively about a traumatic or painful experience feels difficult.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma continues to be one of its most recognized applications.
At Sandham Psychological Services, EMDR may also be used when past experiences are contributing to concerns such as anxiety or depression.
Sometimes a single traumatic event continues to affect someone long after it occurred. In other situations, there may be multiple difficult experiences or stressors that have accumulated over time.
EMDR provides a way to explore and process these experiences and the emotional responses connected to them.
EMDR Can Be Offered Virtually
EMDR does not necessarily have to take place in a therapist’s office.
At Sandham Psychological Services, EMDR is also available through secure virtual sessions. For some people, participating from home can provide greater flexibility or allow them to engage in therapy from an environment where they already feel comfortable.
The therapist continues to guide the EMDR process during virtual sessions, adapting bilateral stimulation so it can be used remotely.
EMDR at Sandham Psychological Services
Past experiences can influence how we feel, relate to others, and respond to situations in the present. As we explored in our previous blog, understanding where our emotional patterns and responses come from can be an important part of therapy.
EMDR offers another way of working with those experiences by helping process memories that may still carry significant emotional distress.
At Sandham Psychological Services, EMDR is provided within a supportive, trauma-informed therapeutic environment. The process is tailored to the individual, with attention to emotional safety, readiness, and the experiences you want to address.
If past experiences continue to affect how you feel or respond today, EMDR may be an approach worth exploring. Contact Sandham Psychological Services to learn more about EMDR therapy and whether it may be appropriate for you.