What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is widely used for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR helps the brain process unresolved trauma by using bilateral stimulation (usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This stimulation is thought to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces emotional intensity and allows for more adaptive beliefs about the experience.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
1️⃣ History-Taking & Treatment Planning – The therapist gathers information about your trauma history and current distress.
2️⃣ Preparation – You learn coping skills and grounding techniques to help regulate emotions during processing.
3️⃣ Assessment – You identify a specific traumatic memory, along with associated negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
4️⃣ Desensitization – While focusing on the memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements). This helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing emotional intensity.
5️⃣ Installation – Positive, adaptive beliefs replace the old, distressing thoughts about the event.
6️⃣ Body Scan – You check for any lingering distress in the body and process any residual tension.
7️⃣ Closure – The session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure you feel safe and grounded.
8️⃣ Reevaluation – In the next session, the therapist checks progress and continues processing as needed.
How Does EMDR Help?
✅ Reduces emotional distress – Over time, traumatic or distressing memories feel less overwhelming.
✅ Changes negative beliefs – Shifts core beliefs from “I am powerless” to “I am in control.”
✅ Decreases physical responses – Less hypervigilance, startle response, or body tension.
✅ Helps integrate the memory – Instead of feeling like the trauma is happening now, it becomes part of the past.
✅ Works without needing to talk in detail – Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR allows you to process trauma or distressing memories without having to fully verbalize it.
If you have interest in EMDR for your therapeutic care, schedule a consultation with Josie, our EMDR-trained therapist in PA and MD!