EMDR Therapy: Unlocking Deeper Healing Beyond Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is a wonderful tool that can provide support in navigating our emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. However, talk therapy alone may not always be enough, particularly when dealing with childhood trauma, deep grief, unexpected crises, or natural disasters (like the recent Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina). In these cases, a more targeted approach, like EMDR, that addresses the root cause of trauma, can be incredibly effective.
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it was developed in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. Today, EMDR is recognized as one of the most studied and evidence-based modalities for treating trauma and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
How does EMDR work?
EMDR harnesses the brain's natural ability to heal. You know how your dog’s eyes get a little wild and move back and forth when he’s dreaming? Our eyes do that, too, during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), which is when our brain processes and integrates the events of the day. During EMDR, we simulate the eye movements that occur during REM sleep so that your body can naturally process the targeted traumatic event.
When trauma occurs, the brain becomes overwhelmed and can't process the event properly. The memory is stored in the limbic system–the part of our brain responsible for emotions. Because the limbic system is separate from the neocortex (where logical thinking and decision-making occur), these traumatic memories remain unprocessed. When triggered, they can lead to difficult reactions such as fear, anxiety, anger, panic, flashbacks, dissociation, or other unhelpful coping mechanisms. EMDR works by stimulating both sides of the brain to help reprocess these memories. This allows the brain to process and "repair" them–reducing the debilitating symptoms associated with the event.
What is a typical EMDR session like?
One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don’t have to go into detail about your trauma or experiences. Technically, you don’t need to speak about the event at all, which makes EMDR a great option for folks who feel anxiety or shame about past events. The process typically starts with an intake session where your therapist will ask about your therapeutic goals, about your background, and determine if EMDR is a good fit for you.
After that, you and your therapist will work together to identify which memory would be the most effective to reprocess. We usually look to target “the first or the worst,” meaning the “first” time this event occurred (for repeated traumas) or the image that elicits the “worst” feeling that comes up when you remember it today. Many times folks are unsure about “where to start.” No worries, we’ve got you.
Next, bilateral stimulation will begin (at our practice, we use back and forth eye movements or tappers/buzzers that you hold in your hands) to simulate REM sleep and to help shift the memory to a more neutral state. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way-helping you set the pace of eye movements, when to slow down, and what you might notice in your body. There are no “shoulds” or “supposed tos” in EMDR therapy.
Once the memory is reprocessed, bilateral stimulation is used again to reinforce a more supportive or adaptive belief, such as 'I am safe' or 'I am capable’ or ‘I am worthy of being loved’. The treatment often concludes with grounding exercises and reassessment to ensure the memory has been fully processed.
How long does EMDR treatment last?
EMDR therapy usually lasts between 4-12 sessions, each about 60-90 minutes, depending on the severity, complexity, or how often the trauma occurred. Contrary to popular belief and pop psychology, EMDR is rarely a quick-fix-cure-all. Although, it is efficient and effective.
What can EMDR treat?
EMDR doesn’t just treat trauma and PTSD. It can also help with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social anxiety, phobias, sleep problems, and anger.
Many people turn to EMDR therapy when they're struggling to overcome an unexpected event, like a natural disaster or loss, have a history of complex trauma, or want to address the root-cause that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
Do I need to be in person for EMDR therapy?
Thankfully, EMDR can be done online through telehealth or in person. If you’re interested in learning more about starting EMDR therapy in Asheville, NC or remotely anywhere in North Carolina, please contact us.
References:
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
Simple Practice: https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/emdr-therapy/