What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

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EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model; this model explains how the brain processes and links memories. THE AIP model theorizes that both positive and negative experiences influence a person’s current perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors: The past influences how we perceive the present.

When a distressing or traumatic event occurs, it can overwhelm the brain’s processing abilities, often leading to a dysfunctional storing of the memory and associated emotions. When people are overwhelmed by distressing emotions, they cannot integrate the experience with the rest of their personal history i.e., an accomplished employee struggles to feel competent. This maladaptively stored memory may contribute to relational distress or symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of psychotherapy which helps clients resolve traumatic memory by stimulating bilateral brain activity. The reprocessing of a memory causes a shift in all its components, often helping clients to have a more empowering and grounded understanding of the traumatic event. This shift additionally helps clients foster self-compassion and empathy.

For example, a person who experienced any form of neglect as a child might experience persistent thoughts of not feeling good enough or worthy of taking up space, even if the person is not consciously thinking of their past experiences. Undoubtedly, these core beliefs affect our behavior and can result in symptoms of depression and/or relational distress. EMDR therapy supports reprocessing those memories with the goal of installing a sense of innate worthiness.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, and how EMDR may help to support your healing, please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call. I’d be happy to help you decide if EMDR can support your emotional growth and well-being.