You have probably heard about EMDR from someone else who said it worked really well for them. It has become one of the gold standard treatment methods to clear up trauma and I truly believe in it.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. Eye movements are not always involved. Bilateral Stimulation can include 1 or more of 3 different methods: lateral eye movements, tactile pulsers you hold or alternating sounds using ear phones. These methods can be used separately or together for the most comfort or best results based on client preferences.

What makes EMDR different is that it works on the negative impact of trauma that gets stored in the body (nervous system). Sometimes there are not even clear thoughts or identifiable emotions but body sensations that are needing to be worked through. The changes can feel very automatic and beneficial even without additional homework assignments or lifestyle changes. This is because when someone’s reactivity is reduced there is less extreme emotional activation.

The wonderful and interesting thing about EMDR is that it is very enlightening and it is also a very respectful type of therapy. I ask questions that allow my clients to find the answers within themselves. I rarely give advice though I might provide education, resources, skills, healthy suggestions or options when someone feels limited in their ability to be resourceful.

People often seek out EMDR when they are experiencing these symptoms.

·       Involuntary and recurrent memories

·       Flashbacks

·       Nightmares

·       Intense distress after being triggered

·       Hypervigilance

·       Problems with concentration

·       Exaggerated startle response

·       Sleep problems

·       Persistent fear, anger, guilt or shame

·       Avoiding reminders of the trauma

·       Feeling alienated

·       Distorted blame

·       Negative beliefs about yourself

·       Inability to recall parts of the event

·       Loss of interest in activities

·       Irritability or aggressiveness

·       Self destructive behaviors

The negative impact of trauma doesn’t always involve extreme reactions and classic identifiable symptoms. Sometimes the impact of trauma is more chronic in how it negatively effects mood, emotions and thoughts about oneself and others. Old trauma memories may be triggered because of something current like a new relationship, having children or going through some significant life transition.

Our first EMDR Session

I love hearing that deep sigh of relief when our conversation sheds some positive light on specific areas to clear up. My goal is to create a comfortable space to heal and have hope. Within the first visit I implement tools that provide my clients with a sense of clarity in understanding the roots of their issues. Not only do my clients feel understood but they understand themselves better as well. The benefit of doing EMDR is that there is some structure so clients feel like the work is going somewhere with the identification of “targets”. During this process I do my best to add a little humor to lift the spirit. Therapy doesn't always have to end in tears.

The EMDR Process

My goal in every session is to provide a sense of relief, understanding and resolution. I practice coping strategies with my clients during the first 2-3 sessions that can be used between our visits. I want my clients to feel like their needs are being met so I provide flexible suggestions to implement lifestyle changes in order to decrease negative mood states and anxiety.

After getting the basic history of what has been contributing to the problematic reactions, emotions and thoughts I spend time providing psychoeducation about how trauma affects the brain, nervous system and memory networks. The impact that trauma has on mood and functioning can be confusing.

Typically it is around the 3rd or 4th session that I will start to use BLS while focusing on the problem target. (Bilateral Stimulation includes: eye movements and/or tactile pulsors which are my 2 preferred methods).  It’s common that additional underlying issues surface that are feeding the problematic feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The results are not always predictable but often the answers are there to provide insight and clarity.

As treatment progresses and the connections become more clear, I provide additional treatments with NLP and RRT to reduce uncomfortable physical sensations and feelings. NLP stands for (Neurolinguistic Programming) and RRT is (Rapid Resolution Therapy). These complementary modalities are applied to speed up progress, provide a change in perspective or relieve specific issues. 

If the specific target disturbance has been resolved I will do a future rehearsal of scenarios with clients to further set how they want to respond differently to triggering situations.

How long will it take to feel better?

Clients tend to feel better within about 10-15 sessions or less.  If triggers are complex or still in the current environment work can take longer or be ongoing. Some of my clients need to be with me while they make decisions and those decision-making processes take longer than expected. Sessions can also drop down to every other week. I allow my client to decide when they are doing well enough to stop.