Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
We see trends in all areas of our life. The therapy world see trends too. Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, ACT or EMDR - It can be a lot to take in. Research these approaches or ask questions about these approaches. Therapists will advertise what approaches they use. In my practice, I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I have completed the basic training of EMDR and almost most finished obtaining the next step. Here’s an overview of EMDR:
EMDR is highly researched and is effective with trauma and variety of other issues. EMDR can be done with children, adolescents and adults. As with any approach, the techniques are adjusted to the client’s age and developmental status.
EMDR can be done in person or via telehealth. It involves bilateral stimulation (BLS). In person, your therapist may move their hands back and forth. You can use tapping or a light bar. There are audio options for EMDR. On telehealth, there are programs where clients follow a ball going back and across the screen. EMDR may not be indicated for everyone. You and your therapist will determine if EMDR is a good fit for you.
EMDR is three prong approach as your past, present and future are addressed. EMDR takes time. There are eight phases.
History Taking: As with any approach, a thorough intake will be completed to assess your current functioning and learn about your past functioning. Questions about your day to day functioning are asked. Questions about the presence of any mental health diagnoses or past treatment will be asked. You’ll be asked about medical history too. You’ll be asked about your support system and what you’d like to get out of therapy. Remember, therapy is not forever.
Preparation: In this stage, the focus is identifying resources for clients to use in session and in between sessions. Two common resources include 1) Calm Place and 2) Container. You decide what your calm place is. In EMDR, different memories, thoughts or emotions are stirred up. Identifying a container is your tool to hold these memories or ideas between sessions. The sky is the limit on these two resources. There are other resources you and your therapist can use too. Once you start doing the bilateral stimulation, you will use your two or more resources to end a session. Therapists want to make sure you are calm and composed when you leave session.
Assessment: You and your therapist will identify target memories. This process will be repeated for each target.
Identify the worst part of the memory. Identify an image, a sound, or a feeling.
Identify any body sensations associated with the memory.
Identify any emotions associated with the memory.
You’ll be shown a list of Negative Cognitions (NC). The NC about yourself connected with this specific target.
You’ll be shown a list of Positive Cognitions (PC). The PC is what you’d rather believe about yourself when the memory comes up.
EMDR likes scales. You’ll be asked to identify the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDs) on a scale from 0 -10.
Next, you’ll be asked the Validity of Cognition (VOC). You’ll be asked to rate on a scale of 1-7 how true the PC is to you.
Desensitization: Bilateral stimulation takes place using the method you and therapist decided upon. You are asked to bring up the image and the NC. The bilateral stimulation begins for a short amount of time. You are asked to take a deep breath and report what you noticed. It can be anything - thoughts, images or sensations. Then the therapist will tell you to “Go with that”. You will get tired of this phrase. You will continue this process repeatedly. Once you stop reporting any new information, you’ll reassess the SUD and the therapist will guide you on the next steps.
Installation: Once you have gotten your SUD to a zero, you focus on installation. The goal is to assign the PC to the image. BLS sets continue until you strength the PC to a 7.
Body Scan: You will be asked to scan your body from the top of your head to your feet. You are going to report any feelings, tension or sensations. Several BLS sets will be done focusing on each area.
Closure: Two things may happen. The target may be closed meaning your SUD is a 0 and VOC is a 7. You asked to go to your calm place or use another resource. The second thing that may happen is your target is not closed. This happens and the process will be resumed at your next session. Again, you will be asked to use your resources before ending your session.
Reevaluation: At the beginning of the next session, you’ll be asked to reevaluate the SUD of the target. If the SUD is still a zero, you will move on to the next target. If the target was not cleared, you will resume the process until it is cleared.
The first prong is the past events and then different process will be applied to present day and future events. EMDR can work. You need to find an EMDRIA (national organization for EMDR training) and see if EMDR is right for you.
