Understanding EMDR & Trauma

• EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a comprehensive treatment that ultimately facilitates a re-processing of disturbing or distressing memories in order to eliminate or significantly reduce their negative impact on a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation and brief, intermittent recall of memories to activate the brain's natural adaptive information processing system, a system that was halted during the time of exposure to extreme distress and trauma. 
• The EMDR protocol involves 8 phases beginning with history taking and stabilization skills in order to prepare a person for the reprocessing work. When ready, the person is guided to bring to mind an aspect of the disturbing memory, to notice the negative belief and distressing emotions associated with that memory as well as how the body is responding. This process phase activates all regions of the brain storing the raw material so that the brain is ready to reprocess. The therapist will then facilitate a form of bilateral stimulation which alternates focus across both sides of the body thereby stimulating both hemispheres of the brain. This mechanism of reprocessing supports the brain's repair and restoration of disturbances and emotional injuries. 
• EMDR is theorized to be effective for various reasons: activation of both hemispheres much like REM cycle which cleans and restores, taxing of working memory which degrades the strength and impact of a disruptive memory, and brief exposure for which the brain adapts naturally with time.  

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): EMDR therapy is well established in clinical research as an evidence-based and effective treatment for the symptoms of PTSD caused by trauma. Trauma is an injury to the mind and brain as a result of severely distressing events and experiences. When the brain is faced with what it perceives as negative, intense, unpredictable and threatening experiences, it stores the information in a raw, unprocessed form which results in the symptoms commonly experienced in PTSD. These symptoms may include intrusive and disturbing memories, nightmares, severe distress with reminders, efforts to avoid reminders, negative beliefs of self and others, and severely disturbing emotions.
• Complex-PTSD: When traumatic experiences begin early, are numerous, and involve harm or neglect from others, additional symptoms beyond PTSD can develop. These symptoms may include chronic emotion regulation difficulties, persistent relationship and intimacy distress, and dissociative adaptations. After these symptoms and adaptations are stabilized through EMDR’s stabilization phase as well as additional treatment modalities such as DBT, IFS, Ego State and/or Psychodynamic therapies, the reprocessing phase of EMDR can be helpful to treat the injury of traumatic memories. 
• Co-Occurring Symptoms: The comprehensive approach of EMDR therapy has proven effective and useful in alleviating symptoms that occur alongside distressing life experiences such anxiety, depression, psychosis and chronic pain. 

• The $175 fee for a 45 minute therapy session is the same regardless of treatment modality used.
• Most sessions are 45 minutes, however, some people may request extended 90 minutes sessions, but these are typically not required. 
• Sessions are encouraged weekly, but can be adjusted to every other week depending on need. The number of sessions varies significantly from person to person and in respect to the complexity and impact of traumatic events on a person’s functioning. For single event traumas where support and resources were available, it may be that only 6-10 sessions are necessary to resolve the distress. For complex traumatic events involving years of abuse or neglect from caretakers or family members and where dissociation is active, treatment may last several years and involve additional therapeutic modalities. Overall though, EMDR has been identified as more efficient with fewer sessions necessary in comparison to other forms of talk therapy.

If EMDR therapy was previously tried and found to be ineffective, there may be explainable reasons why.

• Inadequate preparation to self-regulate: EMDR can evoke very strong sensations which is why it is important to be taught and practice self-soothing and self-regulating skills before beginning the reprocessing. This is part of the protocol and worth spending time on before addressing disturbing memories. 
• Active and intrusive dissociation: If dissociation is active and intruding upon a person's ability to remain conscious and present, the reprocessing phase of EMDR may not be effective. It is important for the therapist to assess for dissociation and address those symptoms before beginning reprocessing work. 
• Medications or drugs: There are drugs and prescriptions that can numb the brain which in turn will reduce the effectiveness of reprocessing. It is important to disclose everything taken to the therapist. With this information, the therapist can adjust the treatment or discuss alternative options. 
• Life is too chaotic or unstable: The reprocessing phase of EMDR may not be appropriate to begin if daily life is unsafe or unstable. 
• Dishonest feedback: During the reprocessing phase, the therapist will ask for feedback on what is being noticed or experienced. Honest feedback allows the therapist to make adjustments to the treatment as necessary to ensure emotional safety, stability, and effective processing. 
• EMDR isn't for everyone: Each person is unique and not every treatment approach works for every person. The best treatment modalities are those adapted for the individual's specific needs.

The key difference is training and experience. 

• EMDR Trained therapists have the skills to facilitate the full protocol in treating single event or uncomplicated chronic traumatic experiences. They have participated in multiple hours of training and supervised experience. 
• EMDR Certified therapists complete the initial training and undergo further or more extensive training with supervision to focus on treating more complicated traumatic experiences and dissociation. Certification requires ongoing training and education to maintain. 
• Laura received training from the EMDR International Association in 2015 and completed certification through the same organization in 2020.

• Commit to being honest with the therapist about symptoms, personal history, and any medications or drugs being using. 
• Research and learn more about EMDR or ask questions.
• Practice the self-soothing and self-regulation skills the therapist teaches to help build confidence in finding calm in the midst of distress. 
• Practice patience with self. Remember, the brain was injured and recovery takes time.