In some instances, our minds and bodies can experience deep trauma imprints after encountering distressing situations. In some cases, the brain’s ‘adaptive memory processing’ system, can have difficulty processing overwhelming experiences. When distressing memories become ‘stuck’ in this way, they can persistently impact our lives, manifesting in anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or ongoing feelings of safety concerns.
Verbal communication about traumatic experiences serves as a helpful tool, however talking therapies can also be augmented with other strategies that help to process intense emotional and visceral aspects of traumatic memories.
Specialised evidence-based therapies have been developed to assist the brain desensitise trauma responses. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy with strong research support.
At Laburnum Psychology, our team includes clinicians trained in EMDR. The following post explains the fundamental concepts of EMDR therapy, together with its operational mechanisms and its therapeutic benefits for treating trauma.
What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy?
EMDR functions as a structured psychotherapeutic method, used to support people in processing traumatic experiences and the ensuing symptoms.
EMDR therapy emerged during the late 1980s from the work of Dr. Francine Shapiro. Unlike other therapies, it does not require extensive discussion of distressing material. The therapy method works to transform memory storage in the brain, and can assist to decrease emotional distress and associated trauma symptoms.
How EMDR Works to Process Traumatic Memories
The human brain functions similarly to an advanced organisational system. The majority of everyday events undergo proper filing processes in the brain. These processes largely occur during sleep. In some instances, the information processing systems within the brain can experience an overload when traumatic events happen.
The traumatic experiences together with its visual details, auditory components, mental processes and strong emotions can become ‘stuck’ in the nervous system without any processing. The traumatic memory can subsequently be triggered, leading to the trauma related symptoms.
The intensity of traumatic experiences can remain vivid even although time may have passed since the traumatic event(s). The trauma response may be re-triggered through:
- Sounds and scents
- Situations and locations
- Similar experiences
This can serve to reactivate the frozen memory, as if you were experiencing the original events once again.
The EMDR process involves bilateral stimulation. This is done via eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile taps alternating between the left and right side of the body and brain. When done in conjunction with other parallel memory based processes, this bilateral stimulation can activate the brain’s adaptive information processing system.
This allows the memory to be stored with reduced distress. The memory remains intact yet transforms into a regular memory without the previously high levels of associated distress.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment
EMDR is an extensive therapeutic framework which consists of eight distinct stages. A structured therapeutic framework provides you with security while delivering the most beneficial outcomes from treatment.
Phase 1 – History-Taking and Treatment Planning: Your therapist will learn about your background and determine which memories or problems to address.
Phase 2 – Preparation: The therapist will use this phase to teach essential ‘resourcing’ skills for managing emotional challenges that might emerge either within sessions or between them. You build a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist.
Phase 3 – Assessment: During this phase, you and your therapist will choose which memory to process along with your current self-belief related to the memory (e.g. ‘I am not safe’) and an alternative belief that you prefer (e.g. ‘I am safe now’).
Phase 4 – Desensitisation: This is the processing phase. During this phase, you will keep your focus upon the target memory while experiencing the bilateral stimulation (usually with your eyes). You merely notice what arises without attempting to change it, so your brain can do its healing.
Phase 5 – Installation: The work of strengthening your desired positive self-referencing belief continues until it feels true after the memory is no longer distressing.
Phase 6 – Body Scan: You will be asked to check for any tension or physical discomfort throughout your body, which will be addressed for further work.
Phase 7 – Closure: Every session includes techniques to leave you feeling stable and calm even if the memory is not fully processed.
Phase 8 – Re-Evaluation: Evaluation involves an assessment of your progress along with an evaluation of the last session’s interventions.
Conditions Treated with EMDR
EMDR is known for its ability to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but its use extends beyond that. EMDR may be beneficial for multiple conditions that involve distressing past events, including:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Complex trauma and attachment issues
- Depression and mood disorders
- Grief and loss
- Eating disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic pain and somatic symptoms
The EMDR International Association provides extensive research demonstrating the effectiveness of EMDR therapy across a wide range of trauma-related conditions.
What to Expect During an EMDR Session
The process of focusing on traumatic memories might sound confronting, but it is important to know that you maintain complete control during EMDR treatment sessions. The therapist acts as your guide to ensure your safety throughout the entire process. As the client, you have complete control to negotiate the speed and depth of the sessions.
In EMDR, will not be asked to talk at length about the trauma during the processing phase. Your brain will automatically establish its own connections and associations through the bilateral stimulation and associated activities. You may experience changes in thoughts together with shifts in images, emotions, and physical body sensations.
Your therapist will check in with you at various times, yet the main work happens inside your mind.
Finding a Certified EMDR Therapist
The delivery of EMDR needs to come from a mental health professional who has completed an accredited training program for safety and effectiveness. You must work with a therapist who understands the process and who can lead you through it properly.
At Laburnum Psychology, we have clinicians trained in EMDR therapy who practice with compassion and in a trauma-informed manner. We will work to connect you with a therapist suited to your specific needs while providing you with the care you need for healing.
Contact our friendly team if you want to learn more about EMDR therapy, either via our online enquiry form or by calling (03) 9877 9179.
