What is EMDR?

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a highly effective and evidence based treatment for people experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or grief stemming from a traumatic loss. Research shows that it is helpful in reducing PTSD symptom intensity and people report less flashbacks and nightmares. 

EMDR Basics

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (or EMDR) is a treatment, but not a cure for PTSD and it will not erase your traumatic memories.  It effectively helps you process the traumatic memories that were not naturally processed after a traumatic event or experience.

Many, if not all, treatment options for PTSD involve recalling and retelling the story of your traumatic experiences. If you’re unable to tolerate the discomfort and find yourself highly dysregulated afterwards (angry, irrational, suicidal, depressed), you may not be ready for EMDR. This is not to say that you can’t be emotional in recalling your story – but dysregulation places you and your loved ones (and at times the public) in danger. 

EMDR is not recommended for the following:

Who Provides EMDR Therapy?

Safety and sensitivity to trauma are primary concerns when working with individuals suffering with PTSD. Given those concerns,  EMDR is only recommended to be provided by a licensed mental health professional (ex: psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors or therapists, or clinical social workers) who have completed training through a certified EMDR training entity. 

There are two tools to help you find a certified EMDR therapist in your area:

1. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA ™): EMDR-IA Find a Therapist 
2. EMDR Institute, Inc: EMDR Clinician Directory — Search Results

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR is a highly structured treatment consisting of reprocessing your traumatic memories one at a time and learning coping skills to alleviate the physical sensations and discomfort associated with flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance etc. The best results are shown to be when the therapy is done in-person. If you live with a partner or family, your therapist may provide psychoeducation about the potential for your symptoms of PTSD to increase for a short period but decline quickly as treatment moves along.

The EMDR Process:

• Your therapist will ease you into the recalling of your traumatic memory. There should be no distractions, loud noises, or bright lights on. 

• Once you are ready, you’ll recall the traumatic memory out loud and repeatedly. As you are re-telling the memory your therapist will have you doing bilateral stimulation, which is done by reacting simultaneously to sounds or sensations that activate both sides of the brain. You may flit your eyes back and forth or stare at little flashes of light on alternating sides of a screen. The goal is to anchor the brain in the current moment as you recall the past. 

• EMDR can cause negative symptoms in session and relaxation exercises will be introduced and practiced to calm your nervous system down. Deep breathing, guided imagery, and stretching may be used.

• After a traumatic event, some people begin to change how they view the world and themselves. This shift can be negative, with some people thinking the world is unsafe or that they deserved it. Your therapist will gently challenge those beliefs in EMDR and help you redefine those views in a healthier way. 

If traumatic memories and PTSD have made your life feel unmanageable,  EMDR may be a great treatment option. If this sounds like an option you’d like to explore and you live in the Metro Detroit area, Lotus Psychology Group may be the perfect match! Feel free to call us at (248) 957-8973 or email us at info@lotuspsychgroup.com. You can also fill out this online scheduling form.