EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and it facilitates healing from the negative effects of disturbing life experiences. It was originally used to address trauma; however, it now has much wider uses including anxiety, grief/loss, depression, and more.
When we experience something overwhelming, our amygdala and hippocampus can become over stimulated, and our pre-frontal cortex has reduced control. During these times, the higher order rational brain cannot control the emotional brain. Traumatic memories can then get “stuck” in the amygdala-hippocampus complex where they can’t be correctly processed.
“Stuck” or unprocessed memories often become triggered as the amygdala scans for danger in our environment and experiences. Anything that remotely reminds us of the original traumatic event, sends alarm bells off in our bodies and emotions. We feel overwhelmed and can’t think—only react. Many times, these reactions aren’t appropriate in the current situation and cause difficulties in our lives and relationships.
Here's where EMDR can help!
In EMDR we stimulate both sides of the body simultaneously (though eye movements, tones, tapping, etc.) to stimulate both sides of the brain, thus allowing communication between both sides of the brain and rapid processing/healing of distressing memories, fears, or beliefs. The distressing memory becomes “unstuck” and is integrated into existing memory networks.
After facilitating EMDR with many clients over the years, I never stop being amazed at the life changing progress that can be made in a short time. With traditional talk therapy, the client seems to have to try to very hard to get themselves to think and feel differently---with EMDR it just happens!
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