What is EMDR?
/What Is EMDR?
Traumatic experiences can profoundly change our perceptions and beliefs about ourselves when not processed naturally. EMDR is a technique used to process trauma when the brain’s natural process fails. This results in maladaptive reactions and disruption in an individual’s ability to cope with real or perceived danger effectively.
Let’s start by discussing trauma and how it is processed through the brain. Our brains’ naturally respond to trauma through communication between the Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Prefrontal Cortex. The Amygdala acts as an alarm signaling the fight, flight, or freeze response to real or perceived danger. The Hippocampus stores the memories of the event, like a card catalog (for those of us old enough to remember). The Prefrontal cortex controls behavior and emotion associated with the event. When these events are not processed naturally, images and emotions linked to the traumatic event can get stuck signaling a fight, flight, or freeze response inappropriately. (Emdria, n.d.)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses techniques like snapping and tapping to create bilateral stimulation and rapid processing within the brain. Activating this process allows old memories, feelings, and thoughts to be “digested” and replaced with a positive belief (Rininger, D). EMDR is evidence-based and treatment ends when patients can visualize themselves in a future scenario where they were able to face the re-elaborated targets while feeling no emotional discomfort (Santarnecchi et al., 2019).
At Forward Counseling, we have several therapists who utilize EMDR for rapid relief of old or new traumatic events. EMDR can be part of a treatment plan to reduce symptoms of PTSD including insomnia, anxiety, fear, flashbacks, disassociation, problematic substance abuse, and relationship problems. If you would like to get scheduled with one of our EMDR Therapists, you can call or text Forward Counseling’s Intake Team 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. The number is 901-930-7397 and our website is www.forwardcounseling.com.
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References
Emdria. (n.d.). EMDR International Association. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/?utm_source=activetrail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=torysaurusrex@gmail.com
Rininger, D., LMHC, MCAP. (2020, July 23). Personal communication.
Santarnecchi, E., Bossini, L., Vatti, G., Fagiolini, A., La Porta, P., Di Lorenzo, G., Siracusano, A., Rossi, S., & Rossi, A. (2019). Psychological and brain connectivity changes following trauma-focused cbt and emdr treatment in single-episode ptsd patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00129
