WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a branch of mental health treatment and it is an expedited form of receiving therapy. EMDR is commonly associated with PTSD and may be something you’ve heard of being applied to work with veterans. However, EMDR can also be applied to traumatic events or, difficult memories- regardless of how big or small.
EMDR operates from the perspective that trauma blocks neural networks or, channels. Therefore, negative cognitions, feelings and behaviors that are adopted from an event and adapted to over time, causing you to believe the dysfuncationally stored thoughts, such as “I’m not good enough.” There may be behaviors associated with this thought, for example avoidance.
EMDR does not remove an individual’s ability to recall memories. By using EMDR the memory can be worked through, the neural pathway or channels can be cleared, positive cognitions are installed and new adaptive behaviors become within reach, without the negative associations.
Can EMDR be done with children?
Yes! We provide playful EMDR and can playfully target your child’s memories by integrating EMDR into play therapy sessions for your child. There is no age or expressive communication requirement.
How does EMDR work?
During the EMDR preparation process, your therapist will help to make sure you are emotionally strong enough to target the memory and that you are equipped with the necessary skills to handle anything that comes up post-session, as the processing will likely continue even once you’ve left.
EMDR preparation includes working with your therapist to target specific details of a memory and the cognitions that have since been dysfuctionally stored in your brain. A dysfunctionally stored cognition of “I’m not good enough” may have been learned in childhood and resurface when learning new concepts in school, trying out for a team or club, applying for a dream job or, feeling secure in a romantic relationship. The process of targeting a memory is similar to digesting food, in the sense that you are taking bites of the memory and working at your pace, like you would take bites of a meal, until you feel satisfied. Except in EMDR, you are taking bites of the memory until it no longer bothers you. Your therapist will engage you in eye movements or, another form of bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as tapping. The memory will be worked through to help your brain process and re-process the memory, then replace and install positive cognitions.
