EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a neural-based treatment involving the eyes.
EMDR is well-studied for trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex-PTSD caused by a multitude of issues. It is also successfully used to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, self-esteem issues, attachment issues and relationship issues.
EMDR is also used to treat medical issues (e.g., hot flashes, bed wetting, symptoms of Parkinson’s), eating disorders, nightmares, addiction / substance misuse, performance improvement, anger management, grief and loss, life transitions, and many other issues.
EMDR allows the brain to store and remember information that was previously distressing in a more adaptive, healthy way.
There are three versions of EMDR.
Regardless of the version, the client can always stop the therapist at any point. Usually, even though the client is processing difficult memories or issues, they ultimately find the process to be soothing. The therapy also uses a “secure place,” or happy place—such as the beach—for the client to focus on, while doing the process (described below), if the trauma processing becomes difficult.
The therapist and client first work together to decide on a “target” memory or issue. Then something called bilateral stimulation is used. This is where opposite sides of the brain are stimulated, either through back-and-forth eye movements, or sounds in different ears, or tapping on opposite sides of the body, which the client can do themselves; clients can also use the “butterfly hug” to accomplish this, even when doing virtual therapy, also known as online, remote or distance therapy, or Telehealth therapy.
EMDR focuses on self-esteem issues.
Next, the client and therapist will decide on negative beliefs the client has about themselves, as well as positive beliefs to replace them with. The client will get to rate different things with a number, so the client and the therapist can see how the processing is going.
EMDR has received additional attention recently because Prince Harry spoke of it and demonstrated it in his and Megan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey. Prince Harry used the therapy to treat the symptoms he experienced as a result of his mother, Princess Diana’s, sudden and traumatic death when he was growing up.
EMDR works through something called adaptive information processing.
This means it allows the brain to store and remember the information that was previously distressing in a more adaptive, healthy way. Research brain scans of EMDR patients show this effect as well.
The World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as a treatment for PTSD.
Chrones Counseling is proud to offer EMDR.
Deanna Chrones is trained in EMDR, and she specializes in utilizing it with PTSD/trauma and complex trauma, as well as a multitude of other issues.
