EMDR Therapy
What is it
EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements to help update disturbing experiences, much like what occurs when we sleep. During sleep, we alternate between regular sleep and REM (rapid eye movement). This sleep patter helps you process things that are troublesome.
How it works.
EMDR involves eight phases of treatment that focus on the past, the present, and the future and is designed to break any associations you have between certain circumstances and symptoms. Each phase helps you work through emotional distress and trauma, then learn skills to cope with current and future stress.
How a session looks
During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt. heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one's self; for example, “I did the best I could." During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
The Eight Phases
1. History-taking and Treatment Planning
2. Preparation
3. Assessment
4. Desensitization
5. Installation
6. Body Scan
7. Closure
8. Re-evaluation