What is EMDR Therapy?

Trauma affects people differently. Some people are affected in such a way that they need extensive treatment for their mental health issues. Traumatic situations can create memories that cause people to have a variety of mental issues, such as PTSD. One type of therapy that is becoming more widely used is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, or EMDR. If you’re wondering, “What is EMDR therapy?” this article is for you.

This method of therapy for trauma revolves around eye movements as you process memories of traumatic experiences. The main goal of this treatment is to help you heal from those experiences and move toward better mental health. The most helpful aspect of EMDR is that it is based on the body rather than just talking about the problem. This can be helpful for those who are affected by PTSD, panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.

How does EMDR help with PTSD?

To understand how EMDR can help PTSD, you need to understand what PTSD is and how it affects people. PTSD is one of the most common mental health issues related to trauma. There are thousands of people who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder each day.

PTSD was at one time associated with combat veterans but has been expanded to include those who have experienced a serious event such as rape, terrorist act, sex trafficking, natural disaster, or serious accident and injury.

Those who suffer from PTSD usually show signs of having flashbacks and may seem detached from people. They do not want to be around any situation or person that may remind them of the traumatic event.

To overcome these feelings and behaviors, those with PTSD may engage in therapy with a counselor who is trained to understand PTSD and its effects. In addition to these therapies, medication can also be prescribed to control some of the core symptoms of PTSD.

Treatment with EMDR

For those who suffer from PTSD, treatment using EMDR is not like most treatment plans. There is no requirement to talk about the details of the traumatic event. Other therapies involve discussion of details and the event which can be extremely difficult in some instances. EMDR therapy is often shorter than other therapy plans.

By using mechanisms through the nervous system, PTSD sufferers can experience healing through EMDR by having memories desensitized. This is done by allowing the brain to relearn to orient in a way that the mind will understand that the event has passed.

To help the brain relearn, the sufferer is taught how to use reasoning to think about the events in a more positive way. Also, EMDR allows for the visual intensity of the event to be lessened. Using a process called “rest and digest” the body can begin to get a sense of healing from PTSD.

How does EMDR help with anxiety and depression?

Even though it is not one of the most prominent treatments for anxiety and depression, EMDR is growing in its use for those who suffer from debilitating anxiety. Much the same for PTSD, EMDR helps anxiety/depression sufferers recognize how to find a positive reaction to memories using eye movements. As there is no requirement for talking during the EMDR session, it seems less invasive to the person who suffers from anxiety or depression.

By learning to shift away from the thoughts that trigger anxiety, the sufferer can experience calmness through more positive thinking. A good EMDR therapist can help walk you through the process of understanding how to remove yourself from the place of anxiety to a more serene thought process.

In treating depression, EMDR will help the sufferer replace negative thoughts or beliefs with positive affirmations. By learning to visually focus on something positive the person suffering from anxiety will be able to replace the negative trigger with a more calming thought.

The Process of EMDR Sessions

Understanding the process of the EMDR sessions can also help answer the question, “What is EMDR?” The first step is to discuss whether or not you are going to be emotionally strong enough to handle working through the traumatic memories. This will be done with your therapist so you can be given skills to manage the emotions that may arise. This is done by sharing your background with your therapist.

The next part of the EMDR session involves creating a plan that will lead you through the trauma and its different aspects. You and your therapist will discuss which part or event you will work through first. You will discuss how the event has affected your life mentally and physically.

The final step of the sessions is to begin using eye movements as you talk about the memory. This is done by the therapist who will use a finger or other object to have you look from side to side. There have also been instances where headphones and sounds are used. There is no right or wrong answer when you are engaged in EMDR. You let your mind travel through its thoughts and make any connections needed.

What is the controversy about EMDR therapy?

“What is EMDR therapy?” is the simple question. “What is the controversy?” is the more difficult question. While there is not one specific reason for controversy, the biggest one seems to be that there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the true benefits of EMDR.

The concern is about the side effects that may include heightened emotional sensitivity, headaches, and vivid dreams. Should any of the effects be experienced it is important to discuss them with your therapist so that they can help you adjust the treatment sessions.

Additionally, there are concerns that there is no evidence to show that a person is healed from the trauma, but rather they become disassociated from the trauma. Some believe there can be a negative effect and that EMDR can worsen the issues.

How effective is EMDR?

The effectiveness of EMDR is still undergoing study. Most of the studies show that there is a relief of emotional stress in those who have undergone EMDR. It has also been noted that there could be some relief of muscle pain due to tension from episodes of anxiety and that EMDR can be effective in treating most symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse disorders.

Biblical Aspects of EMDR Therapy

While the Bible has no answers to the question, “What is EMDR therapy?” it can be used as a guide to help create a faith-based treatment plan using EMDR. God did not intend for us to remain broken from traumatic experiences.

In a cruel world that is filled with sin bad things happen. God never intended for us to experience the bad things that cause us to have PTSD. But He knew that with the combination of the world and our sinful nature we would experience things that break us and beat us down.

Learning to understand how God sees us when we are suffering from these things can help us begin to see the positive side that EMDR leads us to. Understanding how God created us and how He wants to heal us is important. This, in combination with EMDR, can greatly benefit those who are suffering from mental issues related to traumatic experiences.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NASB

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. – Psalm 147:3, NASB

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13, NASB

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. – John 14:27, NASB

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. – Isaiah 40:31, NASB

If you would like to find out more information about EMDR and if it is the right treatment for you, contact a therapist near you to discuss your options.