How EMDR works
EMDR follows a three-prong approach which involves reprocessing past distressing memories, current triggers, and future anticipated stressors. It unfolds over eight deliberate phases, aiding patients in meticulously navigating through their traumatic memories:
- History-taking and Treatment Planning:
A phase to comprehend the client's historical background and pinpoint where the treatment should commence. - Preparation:
Readying the client for EMDR processing, potentially incorporating strategies to manage emotional turmoil. - Assessment:
Recognizing and isolating target memories, associated negative beliefs, and aspirational positive beliefs. - Desensitization:
Utilizing bilateral stimulation, commonly through guided eye movements, clients focus on the distressing memory until it loses its emotional charge. - Installation:
Amplifying the identified positive beliefs. - Body Scan:
Identifying and addressing any physiological tension correlated with the traumatic memory. - Closure:
Ensuring the client reaches a state of balance, regardless of the reprocessing status of the memory. - Reevaluation:
Verifying the outcomes in ensuing sessions.
Symptoms and areas of specialty that EMDR treats
EMDR is a well-researched therapeutic technique and, while initially developed to treat trauma, particularly in individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has since been used to effectively treat a variety of psychological concerns. The application of EMDR has expanded beyond trauma due to its structured approach to addressing and reprocessing memories and experiences that contribute to psychological distress and dysfunction.
