How does EMDR Work?
Sometimes when something bad happens to us, our brain retains the memories of these occurrences. The brain holds on to these memories in these four ways:
- picture or visual form
- body sensations or physical feelings
- emotions
- cognitions or beliefs about ourselves and others
EMDR uses a structured approach to help individuals resolve the problems that result from such negative past experiences on these four levels.
Although originally developed to work with PTSD, current research validates that EMDR is successful in helping clients with many types of concerns including:
- trauma
- histories of abuse
- stress
- poor self-esteem
- performance enhancement
- anxiety
- relationship problems
- depression
What is an EMDR Session Like?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) utilizes alternating sound, light, or pulsations (bi-lateral stimulation) to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. After careful preparation and targeting, the client is asked to think about images, sensations, emotions, and attitudes that are associated with memories of painful life events.
During each session, as the dual hemispheric stimulation proceeds, changes in the brain occur that help the person enter a more evolved state of balance and well-being.
How Long Does Treatment Take With EMDR?
Often, in a brief amount of time, stubborn emotional blocks can be removed, and the client is enabled to move out of the psychologically “stuck” experience where the past was constantly interfering with the present.
For more information about the EMDR process go to the following websites.
EMDR.com, EMDRI.org, EMDRTherapistsNetwork.com
