What is EMDR?
Since that chance discovery with eye movements, Shapiro, researchers from around the world, and other EMDR practitioners now know that any alternating bilateral stimulation, such as tactile stimulation or auditory sounds, have a consistent effect- the relief from distressing thoughts and emotions associated with disturbing life experiences.
As a client experiencing EMDR in a session with a therapist, for the most part, it will seem like other types of therapy. The therapist will take the clients history and get a good idea of what it is they want to work on. Then, the therapist will facilitate an exercise, which helps the client connect their current issue or problem to one or more experiences from the past.
The Earliest or Most Disturbing Memory Becomes the Focus
Once the earliest or most disturbing event is identified, it becomes the target, or focus, for the EMDR processing. The target memory, along with the disturbing image, emotions, personal beliefs, and body sensations, which are attached to the target are elicited, and then the telltale EMDR bilateral activation will begin.
The therapist may move fingers or an object back and forth in front of the eyes of the client, or turn on the tactile device being held in the clients’ hands that creates a vibration feeling, or perhaps turn on the sounds being heard through headphones, and the “processing” will have begun.
Reduction in Emotional Distress
What clients and clinicians have observed, time and time again, is a reduction in the emotional distress associated with a distressing life event, as well as learning and integration of the material into a more efficient, and easier state of being. For some though, it may not be readily apparent that their current issues are connected to past events.
For instance, it may not be so clear to a person why they continually make bad choices when it comes to romantic partners. They may know they want better for themselves, yet when it comes down to it, they repeat a similar pattern over and over. An EMDR therapist could help this person access the different elements of this experience, and just notice what other experiences pop up in their minds.
Likely, some relationship or interaction from childhood is connected to their current feelings, and older stored beliefs, thus it is affecting their present day behaviors and choices. By identifying and reprocessing the earlier experience, negative thoughts about oneself such as “I am unlovable,” can be transformed in to more adaptive beliefs, such as “I am lovable, I deserve respect.”
People can be Freed from Limiting Beliefs
Imagine the different choices one would make if they truly felt they were lovable, rather than feeling deep down that they were, in fact, not lovable. EMDR clients and clinicians can tell you- it makes a big difference! People can be freed from these limiting beliefs that propel them to make choices that erode their quality of life, and face the future with more positive and adaptive beliefs that allow them to make new choices, creating the potential for a life that is more joyful, healthy, and satisfying.
Another way to say it is that EMDR Therapy can help bring your internal filing system, into a currently efficient and organized manner, so you can be your best self TODAY!
For further questions and explanations about EMDR Therapy, here are some additional resources;
“Getting Past Your Past – Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy”, by Dr. Francine Shapiro, PhD
EMDR International Association – emdria.org
EMDR Institute, founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro – emdr.com
Francine Shapiro Library - http://emdria.omeka.net/
If you would like to talk to an EMDR trained clinician, or have more questions, please feel free to call Coherence Associates Inc. at (760) 942-8663 or email us at info@coherenceassociates.com.
Coherence Associates Inc.
www.coherenceassociates.com
(760) 942-8663