Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly structured therapy that incorporates traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation (most commonly eye movements). It has shown effectiveness in the reduction of negative emotions associated with traumatic memories.
How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?EMDR therapy is unlike talk therapy in that it does not require the client to talk about a distressing event in vivid detail. Talk therapy focuses on the neocortex, the “thinking” brain, while EMDR therapy works on the brainstem, the “instinctual” brain. Because traumatic memories are stored in the brainstem, EMDR therapy gets to the root of negative emotions related to bad memories.
How does EMDR therapy work on the brain?Traumatic memories are often described as “frozen in time”. Utilizing bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy helps “unstick” memories so the brain can continue its natural healing process.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?Anyone experiencing negative emotions related to a distressing memory can benefit from EMDR. Research has shown effectiveness for the following: Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Grief, Sleep disturbance, Substance abuse
What are the risks of EMDR therapy?EMDR therapy is generally safe and has less side effects than medication. EMDR therapy can cause some increased fatigue, discomfort related to memories, feeling more emotional, and lightheadedness. Your therapist will thoroughly prepare you before getting into the reprocessing phase.
For more information on trauma and EMDR, you can visit www.emdria.org
How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?EMDR therapy is unlike talk therapy in that it does not require the client to talk about a distressing event in vivid detail. Talk therapy focuses on the neocortex, the “thinking” brain, while EMDR therapy works on the brainstem, the “instinctual” brain. Because traumatic memories are stored in the brainstem, EMDR therapy gets to the root of negative emotions related to bad memories.
How does EMDR therapy work on the brain?Traumatic memories are often described as “frozen in time”. Utilizing bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy helps “unstick” memories so the brain can continue its natural healing process.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?Anyone experiencing negative emotions related to a distressing memory can benefit from EMDR. Research has shown effectiveness for the following: Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Grief, Sleep disturbance, Substance abuse
What are the risks of EMDR therapy?EMDR therapy is generally safe and has less side effects than medication. EMDR therapy can cause some increased fatigue, discomfort related to memories, feeling more emotional, and lightheadedness. Your therapist will thoroughly prepare you before getting into the reprocessing phase.
For more information on trauma and EMDR, you can visit www.emdria.org