What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
Wes Davis, MS, LPC, NCC, LCDC-Intern, ASAT Candidate
Regina DeBiliol, MS, LPC, NCC, EMDR, APTT Candidate
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that uses eye movement to help you cope and heal from trauma. It was discovered in the 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who originally used it to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s based on the idea that “where you look affects how you feel.”
It is similar to Brainspotting therapy, which was designed to access and release trauma at a brain level, focusing on physical actions to release emotion. You can learn more about Brainspotting HERE.
What can EMDR treat?
While EMDR began as a treatment method for PTSD, today it is used for a variety of mental health concerns. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Dozens of clinical trials since EMDR’s development show this technique is effective and can help a person faster than many other methods.” Some conditions EMDR can treat include:
PTSD
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Phobias
Grief and loss
Chronic pain
Addictions
Stress-related disorders
Performance anxiety
Body image issues
Certain eating disorders (e.g., Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa)
How does EMDR work?
In her studies, Dr. Shapiro theorized that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain compared to non-traumatic ones. Normal memories, like an afternoon at the park or the day you brought home a new pet, are sent through a standardized process for storage in your brain. Most days, this happens without issue, including with unpleasant, but not traumatic, memories.
However, when trauma is introduced, these pathways or processes are interrupted which can lead to the memory being stored improperly. As a result, the brain may not register that the traumatic event is over, keeping you in a state of heightened distress.
Reorganizing these memories is where EMDR comes in. EMDR helps by reprocessing these traumatic memories through guided therapy and eye movements, moving the memory into proper storage and reducing its emotional charge.
This eye movement for memory reprocessing is called bilateral stimulation. It works by forcing your brain to activate both the left and right sides simultaneously. This allows each side of the brain to communicate more effectively as well as regulate the nervous system. When you engage in these eye movements while focusing on a specific memory, it allows your mind to reprocess it and recognize that the event has passed.
EMDR for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is similar to PTSD, the difference being that for CPTSD the trauma is ongoing rather than isolated to a certain event or events in the past. If a person is showing signs of CPTSD, EMDR sessions may be taken at a much slower pace than the usual once, or twice weekly. This slower pace is needed for CPTSD to ensure the person can regulate their nervous system and “state-shift” into everyday life.
Counter to standard EMDR treatment plans, CPTSD treatment begins with processing present triggers before venturing deep into past traumas.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR treatment typically lasts six to 12 sessions taking place once or twice a week. Within those sessions, eight phases are covered. These phases include:
History-taking and treatment planning. Much like the beginning of any other type of therapy, your therapist will start by getting to know you and your background. This includes any relevant medical history and other standard intake information. Then, your therapist will inquire about and help you identify memories you would like to target for treatment. From there, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan, unique to you.
Preparation. Once your therapist has created a treatment plan, they will then walk you through the process of receiving EMDR treatment (if they haven’t already). It’s important for you to fully understand the process so that you can build trust with it, your therapist, and ultimately, yourself. Your therapist will also teach you relaxation and coping skills to use throughout the process and whenever else you need them in life.
Assessment. Next, you and your therapist will take a deeper dive into the memories or traumatic situations you provided at the beginning of the process. First, you will identify a target memory and the negative beliefs associated with it. Then, your therapist will guide you as you explore the emotional and physical responses you have to that memory. From there, you will decide on a positive belief you would like to replace the negative one with.
Desensitization. This step is where EMDR really begins to separate itself from traditional therapy. Your therapist will ask you to follow a light, pointer, or some other kind of tool with your eyes. This technique is called bilateral stimulation and, as mentioned above, is a key part of reducing distress linked to the traumatic memory.
Installation. The fifth step is to reinforce the positive belief you chose earlier in your session. Whenever you remove a thought or belief, something eventually needs to take its place. By being intentional about what you would like to believe, you can shift your mindset long-term.
Body scan. EMDR therapy can be physically and emotionally intense. Completing a body scan, a meditation practice that allows you to focus on each part of your body and how it feels, can help you process any residual tension or discomfort. Body scans can also be done at home to help lessen stress or anxiety. Simply find a calm moment, close your eyes, and think about each body part, starting from your toes and working your way up. How do they feel? Any pain? Tension? Recognizing these feelings can help you relax and become more grounded in the moment.
Closure. As your session comes to an end, it’s important to return to a state of emotional stability. Your therapist will remind and guide you through the relaxation techniques learned earlier as well as review the session with you and plan for next steps.
Reevaluation. While EMDR follows a treatment model, it’s important to remember that therapy of any kind is unique to you. Talk with your therapist about what aspects of the session worked for you and what didn’t. Adjustments can always be made. It’s about supporting you in the best way possible.
Get started at the Institute for Relational Recovery
If you live in Texas and want to work with a therapist individually, with a group, or both, contact us on our contact page or call (214) 906-5138.
About the Authors
Wes Davis, MS, LPC, NCC, LCDC-Intern, ASAT Candidate
(Appointments available online and in person)
Wes Davis specializes in helping adults overcome historical and betrayal trauma, substance abuse, addictive behaviors, and other mental health concerns that prevent them from being their most authentic selves.
Wes is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Methodist University. He has experience working with a variety of ages as well as groups.
Currently, he is working towards becoming certified as an Associate Sex Addiction Therapist (ASAT) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), in order to serve those experiencing sex and pornography or love addictions, as well as betrayal trauma experienced through being in a relationship with someone who has a sexual addiction or who committed infidelity.
Wes firmly believes that you are not a case study, a section of a textbook, or a diagnosis. You are a unique individual and it is his job to understand your perspective, goals, and aspirations.
To learn more about Wes Davis or to get in contact, click HERE.
Regina DeBiliol, MS, LPC, NCC, EMDR, APTT Candidate
(Appointments available online and in person)
Regina specializes in helping individuals and couples experiencing betrayal trauma and enmeshment restore or create a secure attachment.
Regina’s approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based modality that allows her to track the negative interaction cycle and patterns that cause distress and result in insecure attachment and disconnection. She is also trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and can provide research-based techniques for those experiencing trauma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
As a counselor, Regina’s mission is to help couples navigate the intricate and often turbulent dynamics that can arise in relationships. In addition to her specialty training in partner betrayal trauma, she is also trained in helping enmeshed adults, and is a Preferred Provider amongst clinicians trained by Ken Adams, Ph.D., CSAT in overcoming enmeshment.
Regina understands the challenges families face today. She believes that couples have the power to mitigate their suffering over time and build a strong, healthy, and loving relationship that can withstand life's challenges.
To learn more about Regina Debiliol or to get in contact, click HERE.