EMDR Therapy

Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

The effects of trauma are far-reaching, affecting both the mind and body. When a person experiences trauma, their brain's natural processing mechanisms can become overwhelmed, leading to a range of symptoms. Common mental health issues associated with trauma include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These conditions arise because trauma disrupts the brain's ability to process and integrate distressing experiences, leaving the individual in a state of hyperarousal or emotional numbness. The body also reacts, often resulting in physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Research indicates that individuals with trauma histories are three times more likely to experience depression and six times more likely to have PTSD. Furthermore, chronic exposure to trauma can lead to a 37% increase in chronic pain conditions.

Traditional Therapy vs. EMDR

Traditional talk therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy, focus on discussing and re-evaluating traumatic events and their impacts. While these methods can be effective, they often require prolonged engagement and may not directly address the disrupted neural processing that underlies trauma symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a unique approach by incorporating bilateral stimulation (BLS) to facilitate the brain's natural healing processes. EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, often leading to quicker and more lasting relief. Studies have shown that EMDR can be significantly more efficient, with 77% of individuals no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after just six sessions.

Eight Phases of EMDR:

1. History Taking
   The first phase involves a comprehensive collection of the client's personal and psychological history to understand their specific concerns and identify target memories for EMDR therapy. This phase also includes evaluating the client's readiness for EMDR and identifying any past traumas or distressing experiences that may be contributing to current symptoms. By thoroughly understanding the client's background, the therapist can tailor the EMDR process to effectively address the most pertinent issues.
2. Preparation
   In this phase, the therapist establishes a trusting relationship with the client and prepares them for the EMDR process. This involves explaining how EMDR works, what to expect during sessions, and teaching the client self-soothing techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, to help manage any distress that may arise. The goal is to ensure the client feels safe and equipped with tools to handle emotional responses during and between sessions.
3. Assessment
   The third phase focuses on identifying and assessing the specific target memories that will be addressed during EMDR. This includes selecting particular visual images, negative beliefs, and related physical sensations associated with these memories. The therapist and client work together to measure the intensity of the distress connected to these memories, using tools such as the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS) and the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale, which helps track progress throughout the therapy.
4. Desensitization
   During the desensitization phase, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) — such as eye movements, taps, or sounds — to help the client process the traumatic memory. The client focuses on the target memory while engaging in BLS, which aims to reduce the emotional charge associated with the memory. This process continues until the distress related to the memory is significantly diminished, allowing the client to view the memory in a more neutral or detached manner.
5. Installation
   After desensitization, the therapist helps the client strengthen positive beliefs or cognitions that are more adaptive or empowering, to replace the negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory. The client is encouraged to focus on these positive beliefs while engaging in BLS to reinforce their new understanding and create a more balanced and resilient perspective on the traumatic event.
6. Body Scan
   This phase involves a thorough check of the client’s body to identify any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the processed memory. The therapist guides the client in scanning their body for signs of stress or discomfort, which may indicate unresolved aspects of the trauma. If any tension is detected, additional processing may be required to fully release the memory's impact on the body.
7. Closure
   Closure is essential to ensure that the client leaves each session feeling stable and in control. The therapist provides techniques to help manage any residual distress that may arise after the session and reviews self-care strategies to be practiced between sessions. The goal is to ensure the client feels grounded and emotionally secure until the next session.
8. Reevaluation
   The final phase involves assessing the client’s progress and determining if additional targets need to be addressed. The therapist and client review the work completed, monitor the client’s current state, and identify any new memories or issues that may have surfaced as a result of the therapy. This phase ensures that the client’s healing journey continues effectively, with adjustments made as needed to maintain progress.