EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences. During EMDR sessions, a therapist guides you through recalling distressing memories while you focus on a bilateral movement. This process helps your brain reprocess the traumatic memories so they’re less intense and easier to manage, reducing the emotional impact they have on you over time.
What is bilateral movement and why does it work?
Bilateral movement, often used in therapies like EMDR, involves engaging both sides of the brain by stimulating them alternately. This can be done through eye movements, tapping, or sounds that shift from one side to the other.
The idea behind this is that by engaging both sides of the brain while thinking about a traumatic memory, it helps the brain to process the memory in a way that makes it less distressing. Essentially, it allows your brain to "digest" the memory, so it no longer feels as overwhelming or painful when you think about it. It's similar to how your brain naturally processes information during REM sleep, where your eyes move back and forth, helping to sort through emotions and experiences.
How will EMDR make me feel?
EMDR can evoke a range of feelings during and after a session, depending on the individual and the memories being processed. During a session, clients might feel a mix of emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or even relief, as they recall and work through difficult memories. Some people feel emotional intensity as they confront past trauma, but this is usually manageable with the therapist's support.
As the session progresses, many clients begin to feel a sense of release or reduction in the intensity of the emotions tied to their memories. They might also experience physical sensations like a lightness in their body or a sense of calm as the therapy helps reprocess the trauma.
After a session, clients often report feeling tired but more at peace with the memories they worked on. Over time, EMDR can lead to a lasting reduction in distress and an increased ability to think about past events without feeling overwhelmed by them.
Does EMDR have to be done in person?
EMDR can be just as effective virtually as in person because the key elements—recalling memories and bilateral stimulation—work well online. Here’s why:
Bilateral Stimulation: The therapist can guide eye movements, sounds, or tapping through the screen, achieving the same therapeutic effects as in person.
Comfort: Being in their own home often helps clients feel more at ease, which can enhance the therapy’s effectiveness.
Engagement: Real-time video communication allows the therapist to monitor and support the client closely, ensuring a strong therapeutic connection.
Consistency: Virtual sessions offer flexibility, making it easier for clients to maintain regular therapy, which is crucial for effective EMDR.
In short, the process and therapeutic relationship are what make EMDR effective, and these can be fully maintained in a virtual setting.
