EMDR is a type of therapy that involves the patient to recall disturbing memories from their past while focusing on subtle bi-lateral eye movements with the guidance of a specially trained therapist. This approach can lessen trauma symptoms like emotional distress and reactivity and mental blockages.

Although EMDR therapy is a fairly new treatment approach for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it has been extensively researched and endorsed by many established institutions, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.

EMDR therapy focuses on the patient’s past events, and current issues that have arisen due to the trauma, as well as the development of healthy skills for dealing with future actions and wellness. Generally, an individualized plan is formulated over several sessions.

Researchers are not wholly sure how EMDR therapy affects the brain, but evidence suggests that it changes how your brain processes information. When you experience a disturbing or very painful event, your body and mind can essentially get “stuck in time.”

The sounds, sights, and feelings you experience during the traumatic event can trigger intense fear, nightmares, and flashbacks. When you encounter certain emotions and senses associated with that event again, your body responds similarly to the way it did the first time the trauma occurred.

EMDR therapy helps your brain engage with its natural healing process. Through this therapy, your brain learns to reprocess and compartmentalize the information more appropriately so that you are no longer “stuck” in the event. 

During the first session, your provider will make a thorough assessment of your mental health history and the events that led you to seek professional assistance. Using this information, your provider will then work with you to develop a treatment plan for the following weeks.

They will explain what you might be experiencing during your first EMDR session and will mentally prepare you for your treatment and any distressing emotions that may arise. Your provider will also make sure that you leave the treatment with the tools necessary to manage your emotions and symptoms after your session is concluded.

During the bulk of your EMDR therapy, you will likely be asked to identify a negative belief about yourself, visualize an image related to a traumatic memory, or any physical sensations you experience when you recall the event. 

Your provider then leads you in a series of eye movements while you discuss your emotions. This is known as “dual attention stimuli,” and it is the backbone of EMDR therapy. It is crucial to be consistent with your treatment plan  to achieve the optimal results. You may be asked to do homework or keep a diary of any related feelings that arise when you are not in session.

There’s anecdotal evidence that suggests EMDR therapy is useful for helping people who suffer from phobias, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. A few studies have shown that EMDR therapy helps alleviate symptoms in patients who have schizophrenia.

If you feel like PTSD or trauma is negatively impacting your life, or if you want to determine if your panic attacks or anxiety can be treated with EMDR therapy, feel free to contact our office or request an appointment online with one of our EMDR therapists.