EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Approach for Healing Trauma

When it comes to treating trauma and PTSD, clinicians often turn to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy as a highly effective option. Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR has since become an evidence-based, widely-used modality for helping individuals who have experienced distressing, life-altering events.

But what exactly is EMDR, and how does it work so effectively in alleviating the symptoms of trauma?

The Power of the Brain's Adaptive Information Processing System

EMDR is based on the premise that the brain has a natural way of processing information and resolving psychological distress, known as the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system. Normally, when we experience a disturbing event, our AIP system works to integrate the memory of that event into our existing knowledge and memories in an adaptive way.

However, with trauma, this natural information processing becomes "stuck" or dysfunctional. The memory of the traumatic event becomes isolated in the brain, unable to be properly assimilated. This is what leads to the hallmark symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive flashbacks, hyperarousal, and emotional/behavioral avoidance.

EMDR Unlocks the Brain's Natural Healing Capacity

EMDR therapy helps to restart and complete this disrupted information processing. Through a structured protocol involving bilateral eye movements, taps, or tones, EMDR appears to stimulate the brain's natural adaptive information processing capabilities. This allows the traumatic memories to become integrated and transformed, leading to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.

During EMDR sessions, the client recalls the disturbing memory in short doses while simultaneously focusing on the bilateral sensory stimulation. This dual attention process is thought to mirror the neurobiology of REM sleep, tapping into the brain's innate ability to process and metabolize upsetting experiences.

Over the course of treatment, the emotional charge and vividness of the traumatic memory often diminishes, as does the client's distress when recalling the event. Clients frequently report feeling a greater sense of calm, clarity, and control over their trauma-related symptoms.

EMDR's Proven Effectiveness

Extensive research has demonstrated EMDR's efficacy in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Studies show that EMDR can produce improvements in trauma symptoms that are on par with, or even exceed, those achieved through traditional trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

What's more, EMDR appears to be able to achieve these results in a relatively short period of time - often between 3-12 sessions, depending on the severity and complexity of the trauma. This efficiency is a major advantage, as it allows clients to experience meaningful relief more quickly.

EMDR is now recognized as an evidence-based, front-line treatment for trauma by major mental health organizations worldwide, including the American Psychological Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of trauma or PTSD, EMDR therapy may be worth exploring as a powerful path to healing and recovery. Speak to a qualified mental health professional to learn more about how this innovative approach can help unlock your brain's innate capacity for transformation and growth.

At Mount Rose Counseling and Wellness we are pleased to offer trauma-informed and EMDR trained clinicians, contact us for more information.