Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized treatment used by certified therapists to help people manage PTSD and addiction. It works by reducing the intensity of negative thoughts, feelings, and memories, making them easier to cope with.

• How Does EMDR Work?

  EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach used to address trauma and its related symptoms, including addiction. The process involves reprocessing traumatic memories and challenging the negative belief systems that often accompany them. For individuals struggling with addiction, overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and deeply rooted negative self-beliefs can perpetuate their harmful behaviors.

• Why EMDR Works

  Developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR allows therapists to directly access painful memories, thoughts, and feelings in a controlled, safe environment. This process helps reduce emotional distress and allows patients to move past their trauma.

  Think of trauma as a deep physical wound. If the wound keeps getting reopened and filled with debris, it won’t heal properly. In fact, it could cause the wound to get worse. EMDR is like a therapist cleaning out the emotional wound and stitching it up, so it can heal naturally.

• Steps in an EMDR Session

  1. Creating a Safe Space: Before diving into trauma, the therapist helps you establish a mental “safe zone” to retreat to during the session.
  2. Identifying Pain Points: The therapist asks questions to identify the traumatic memories or beliefs that need addressing.
  3. Questioning Negative Beliefs: Together, you’ll challenge negative thoughts like “I am helpless” and replace them with positive ones like “I am in control.”
  4. Reprocessing the Trauma: Using eye movements, taps, or tones, the therapist helps you revisit the trauma in a safe way, desensitizing the pain and installing new, positive beliefs.
  5. Reevaluating Progress: After the reprocessing, the therapist checks to see if the trauma feels less painful.
  6. Repeating the Process: EMDR may require multiple sessions to fully address all traumas.

• What to Expect from EMDR

  EMDR sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes and can be mentally and emotionally intense. Because of the deep emotional work involved, it’s common for individuals to feel tired or drained afterward, even though the therapy itself is not physically demanding. It’s a good idea to plan for some rest and self-care following a session to help recover from the emotional exertion. Taking time to relax, process the session, and engage in soothing activities can support the overall healing process and help manage any lingering emotional response.