What is EMDR Therapy?
Introduction
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a body-based approach to treating trauma. Trauma is stored in the body and brain in a complex way, and it can get stuck there. Then, it can get activated at any point in time based on triggers in the environment. This trigger can be a sight, a sound, or visual representation related to the prior trauma. This is why trauma remains persistent and distressing. The brain and the eyes are closely interconnected. EMDR therapy uses the natural movement of eye movement to heal from traumatic experiences. EMDRIA International Association
Trauma defined
Trauma can be defined in various ways such as “little t” and “big t”. “Little t” can be growing up in a household where basic needs are neglected like lack of food to eat, clean clothes, or stable housing. “Big t” can be defined as events such as witnessing domestic violence between a child’s caregivers or gun violence in the community. A third example of a “big t” is where a family flees from a natural disaster like a hurricane, or uncontained fires.
Trauma is very patient and it may get stuck in different parts of the body. Some people with trauma may suffer from migraines while other individuals may have gastrointestinal issues. Physical issues may be coupled with depression and anxiety. EMDR therapy will work differently for each person at their own pace. A well trained therapist is mindful to make sure clients are stable before starting EMDR therapy. Clients are prepared to have resources and strong coping skills in order to help them respond to the intense feelings processed by EMDR therapy.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is one of several other body-based modalities that have shown to help individuals facing past traumatic events. EMDR is easily done in person or online. In EMDR, the client selects a traumatic memory they would like to work on, then, the client is asked to simultaneously think of this memory and track the movement of the therapist’s two fingers. Here is a great video example: EMDR video This eye movement enables what is called bilateral stimulation. It happens when we are walking, knitting, doing yoga and even dancing. The client incorporates their body by tapping their arms or embracing their shoulders. Electronic tappers could also be used if the therapist has that as an option.
Conclusion
In my private practice, I offer EMDR therapy to women, caregivers and mothers that have past childhood wounds. My area of expertise is in helping women understand how the way they were raised impacts who they are today and how children can activate old issues from their past. Many times tantrums for children ages 0-5 years can be difficult to manage and even more so for caregivers that have unprocessed trauma from their own childhood.
Trauma gets stored in the body and this can manifest in the body with issues of depression and anxiety for caregivers. EMDR therapy offers a way to address trauma without having to go into all the details over and over again. If you need help finding a therapist I recommend you find a therapist at Therapy Den or Inclusive Therapists. For individual therapy for mothers, women and caregivers in the Carolinas and Illinois struggling with their own childhood wounds, go toTherapy Portal.
