What it is and How it Works

When an overwhelming event happens, the memory of it can get “stuck” in the body and mind. Overtime this can gt in the ways of a persons ability to concentrate or function in their day to day life. PTSD symptoms may start to develop over time. So, an EMDR therapist does something called bilateral stimulation. This can done by listening to sounds in a headset, following an object with your eyes, or through touch. The therapist first guides the client to concentrate on a troubling memory or emotion. Then, the therapist invites the client to follow the therapist’s fingers back and forth. The therapist will pause and ask questions in order to allow the client to “digest” the experience.

The Theory Behind EMDR

The idea behind EMDR is that humans have a built-in processing system or memory network for processing and storing information. These networks contain thoughts, images, emotions and sensations. When memory networks are functioning well information from a traumatic event can be  fully processed. But if the information is not fully processed than thought, feelings and perceptions from the event can get frozen in time. A person can literally feel as though the event is still happening.

It is believed that this dynamic underlies a lot of mental health symptoms. What EMDR does is allow a person to fully processes any information that was unprocessed from the original event or experience. This usually results in new adaptive information that can be stored in the memory networks. IN addition, EMDR integrates many different psychological theories into a simple protocol. Some of these theories come from cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and gestal therapy.

The Eight Phases

EMDR therapy uses a structured eight-phase approach. Let’s look at each one and what happens.

• Phase 1: History-Taking. A therapist will gather information about your history in order to understand the problem. They will also begin to formulate goals with you.
• Phase 2: Preparation. In order to make sure things go safely and smoothly, sometimes a little preparation is needed. The therapist might suggest some helpful resources, go over the protocol with
• Phase 3: Assessment.  The EMDR therapsit will help you identify a target memory to work with if one is not clear.
• Phases 4-7: Processing. This is where the rubber meets the road. The therapist will work with the traumatic memory as long as necessary in order to find an adaptive resolution.
• Phase 8: Evaluation. After the sessions are done the therapist will look at the treatment results with you. They’ll help you decide if the symptoms or problems are fully resolved or if more sessions are needed.

Is EMDR a Quick Fix?

No! But if a person’s symptoms are mild, they may experience rapid relief. EMDR works to alleviate symptoms of anxiety related to a traumatic experience. Some people notice an  immediate effect simply because anxiety is reduced. Though often additional steps are needed for a person to fully heal their PTSD. People who have single event trauma may see their symptoms resolve in as few as three 90minute sessions. Those who experience complex or multiple event trauma should expect the healing process to take longer.

Will EMDR Help With My PTSD?

Yes! Especially if you are dealing with a specific traumatic memory that continues to keep you stuck. There is a lot of research behind EMDR as an evidence-based therapy for treating post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. One of the reasons people like EMDR is that it follows a fairly simple protocol. That protocol begins by processing past events and making new associations. Next, a therapist will work to help desensitize you towards present day triggers. Finally, a therapist will help you plan for the future with this new information in order to help integrate it.

I have complex PTSD. Which is better for me, EMDR or SE?

A lot of people with complex PTSD, prefer a therapy that is more interpersonal, such as SE. While EMDR works great for simpler cases of PTSD, it may not be great for complex ones. Survivors of childhood abuse and other forms of chronic trauma need more support beyond the standard EMDR protocol. Therapy can be roken down into distinct phases. And this is especially important for those who  suffer from complex PTSD. In order to heal trauma, it must be addressed from different perspectives. This is  often called a multi-modal approach. You also need an approach that can be broken down into small bits. This allows your nervous system to more easily “digest” or process new information. Approaches like SE, Hakomi and Sensorimottor psychotherapy fit the bill here.

Can you combine SE and EMDR?

Yes. Some practitioners combine EMDR with another approach like SE and get good results. They do this by adding a phase-oriented approach to the EMDR protocol. Many EMDR practitioners today also borrow some tools from SE such as resource development in order to work with more complex PTSD. Clients with chronic PTSD often need more support on a nervous system level.  Somatic Experiencing works really well to help people become aware of their bodies and learn how to support their nervous system. That support includes increasing your ability to handle difficult emotions ( what psychologists call affect tolerance). It also means learning self-regulation.

Can EMDR  Treat Panic?

Yes. Research suggests that EMDR can be as effective as other evidence-based therapies at treating Panic Disorder, and phobias. A therapist will often use a specific protocol that targets panic symptoms. Whether the panic is with or without agoraphobia, EMDR is and effective treatment.

Is EMDR useful for all kinds of mental health problems?

No. EMDR treats PTSD symptoms primarily. It is especially helpful in working with traumatic memories. It’s also good at resolving panic symptoms and improving low self-esteem. Many people report increased confidence and decreased depression and anxiety after an EMDR session.

Is EMDR safe and effective for kids?

Yes, especially if combined with other approaches. Typically EMDR for kids and teens is combined with another kind of therapy such as art therapy, play therapy, dance therapy, yoga therapy, music therapy or the expressive arts. For complex PTSD we also recommend a gentle approach like SE.  PTSD can show up differently in kids than adults. For example, after a bad car accident a child might experience nightmares, mood out bursts or defiant behavior. Children may also experience depression or anxiety. If parents were present during the traumatic event they may experience symptoms too. However, adult PTSD might show up in other ways, even if they went through the same event. Kid make sense of their world through play and play combined with either EMDR or SE is often what’s need to get unstuck.

Are you or your family in need of trauma healing?

If you live in our near Saint Louis, Missouri our EMDR trained and SE trained therapists can help.

Go to Book an Appointment  or contact our office directly by calling (314) 827-5448 or sending us an email at admin@danceofchange.com.