Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is a unique, nontraditional form of psychotherapy designed to diminish negative feelings associated with memories of traumatic events. Unlike most forms of talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on the traumatic event itself and more on the disturbing emotions and symptoms that result from the event. Treatment includes a hand motion technique used by the therapist to guide the client’s eye movements from side to side, similar to watching a pendulum swing. EMDR is a controversial intervention because it is unclear exactly how it works, with some psychologists claiming it does not work. Some studies have shown, however, that EMDR is effective for treating certain mental health conditions.
How does EMDR Work?
The goal of EMDR is to fully process past experiences and sort out the emotions attached to those experiences. Negative thoughts and feelings that are no longer useful are replaced with positive thoughts and feelings that will encourage healthier behavior and social interactions. Ultimately, clients learn to handle stressful situations themselves. EMDR therapy occurs in eight phases:- History and treatment planning
- Preparation, to establish trust and explain the treatment in-depth
- Assessment, to establish negative feelings and identify positive replacements
- Desensitization, which includes the eye movement technique
- Installation, to strengthen positive replacements
- Body scan, to see if the client is now able to bring up memories of trauma without experiencing negative feelings that are no longer relevant, or if reprocessing is necessary
- Closure, which occurs at the end of every session
- Re-evaluation, which occurs at the beginning of every session
When is EMDR Used?
EMDR was originally developed to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and phobias. Some therapists also use EMDR to treat depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, sexual dysfunction, and stress caused by chronic disease.What to Expect
In the early stages of therapy, you will discuss your problems and symptoms with your therapist, but you won’t necessarily have to reveal all the details of your traumatic experience(s).
Instead, your therapist will help you focus on related negative thoughts and feelings that you are still experiencing and decide which of these beliefs are still relevant and which ones you would like to replace with positive thoughts and beliefs.
You will learn techniques to help you deal with disturbing feelings. Your therapist will then guide you through a process known as desensitization. While keeping the memory of a painful or traumatic event in mind, you will follow the therapist’s back-and-forth finger movements with your eyes.
The purpose of this technique is to help you fully process your negative feelings and begin to recognize that you no longer need to hold on to some of them. Future sessions are devoted to reinforcing and strengthening positive feelings and beliefs until you get to a point where you can bring up memories of the traumatic event without experiencing the negativity that brought you to therapy in the first place.
Benefits of EMDR
Research now suggests that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy can help relieve the stress and anxiety related to trauma. The American Psychological Association has approved EMDR as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Allowing individuals to think about a certain traumatic event from a detached perspective allows an individual to reframe the memory and release all negative associations with the memory.
Overall, the goal of EMDR is to completely process past events and sort out the specific emotions tied to those experiences.
Starting EMDR Therapy
Call True in Newport Beach, CA, to take advantage of EMDR therapy for addiction treatment today. We offer a full continuum of care that not only provides our clients with EMDR therapy but also a range of additional therapies and treatments that can work in conjunction with it. In addition, we can connect you with highly structured sober living facilities and the ability to bring one’s pet with them to therapy.