Demystifying EMDR therapy

If you’ve heard whispers about EMDR therapy but still aren’t sure what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Let’s unravel this transformative approach to healing trauma in simple terms.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, isn’t your typical therapy session where you just talk through your problems. Instead, it taps into your brain’s natural ability to process memories and emotions.

When we go through an overwhelming experience, the memory of the event can get “stuck” in state-specific form. Later, when something reminds us of that past event, elements of the past come flooding into the present. This might happen in the form of flashbacks, or it can be more like a strong emotion or body sensation. EMDR therapy aims to unstick those memories by stimulating both sides of the brain with techniques like eye movements or taps.

During a session, your therapist will guide you through recalling the troubling memory while also moving your eyes or tapping your hands. This bilateral stimulation helps kickstart your brain’s processing power. It creates a relaxing effect in the body and brings in new information from the safety of the present. The memory gradually becomes less disturbing, and you can feel more positively about yourself in relation to what happened. We can’t change the past, but we can shift how we feel about it, with EMDR therapy.

Now, let’s talk evidence. Recent studies have consistently shown the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions. For example, a study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2020 found that EMDR therapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression in military veterans [1].

Another recent meta-analysis published in Psychotherapy Research in 2021 concluded that EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD, with large effect sizes and sustained improvements over time [2].

So, if you’re grappling with the aftermath of trauma and traditional talk therapy isn’t cutting it, EMDR therapy might be worth exploring. It’s a scientifically-backed approach that could help you finally break free from the grip of your past and step into a brighter, more hopeful future.

Remember, healing is within reach, and EMDR therapy could be the key to unlocking a life free from the shadows of trauma.

References:

[1] Ramage, A. E., Laird, K. T., Sunderland, K. M., Smith, L. E., McLeod, H. J., & Rauch, S. A. (2020). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of combat-related PTSD in veterans: A systematic review. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(5), 719-729.

[2] Acarturk, C., Kosters, M., Bosmans, M., van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2021). Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for different types of trauma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychotherapy Research, 31(2), 193-209.