Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from traumatic experiences. While traditional talk therapy addresses a broad range of mental health issues, EMDR is specifically designed to process and alleviate the distress of traumatic memories.
How does EMDR work for trauma?
When you experience a distressing event, your brain can get stuck on that moment, and it continues to affect you long after the event has passed. EMDR is a unique approach that helps you move past your triggers by focusing on a specific memory while following a therapist’s guided eye movements. This technique helps your brain reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact. It’s like hitting the reset button on how you think and feel about past traumas. EMDR gives you the opportunity to heal and move forward with a clearer mind and lighter heart.
You might be nervous about trying a new type of treatment. But you want to finally be free of your triggers and traumas. Because EMDR is different from talk therapy, you might have questions about how it works.
Here are some important things for you to know about EMDR therapy near Edison, NJ, and EMDR online in NJ.
What is EMDR and what does it do?
EMDR was created by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was specifically designed to help patients deal with memories of trauma. Here is how it works: when something upsetting happens, our brains take in those experiences and put them into our memory. But sometimes, the natural healing process in our brain gets stuck in a loop. Memories of bad experiences get stored in a way that keep causing emotional pain. This can lead to prolonged distress, with lingering feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations.
EMDR helps you to identify and reprocess those memories. This can eliminate painful physical and emotional sensations, decrease distress, and leave you feeling lighter. The aim of EMDR isn’t to erase memories but to help you remember them without feeling as distressed. EMDR activates the brain’s natural healing abilities, allowing you to integrate and process stored information in a healthier way, which helps in recovering from trauma.
What happens during an EMDR session?
During your initial sessions, your EMDR therapist will gather a thorough history and help you prepare for reprocessing. During these early phases, you’ll identify a troubling memory and the negative belief you are holding about yourself as it relates to the memory (i.e., “I am powerless”).
You and your EMDR therapist will collaborate on identifying a positive belief (i.e., “I am capable and strong”). As you move through the desensitization phase, you can expect to engage in bilateral stimulation while focusing on distressing target memories. This is the famous eye movements you may have heard about (see eye movements section below). This process will be repeated until the memory loses its emotional charge and is no longer disturbing.
Then, the chosen positive belief is “installed”, replacing the previously held negative belief through bilateral stimulation. As you move through these phases, new insights may emerge. The target memory is reprocessed in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.
After a reprocessing session, you and your EMDR therapist will review progress, explore new insights gained, and continue with the EMDR process as needed.
What are the 8 phases of EMDR therapy?
There are 8 phases of EMDR treatment, done in this order:
- History taking
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan meditation
- Closure
- Reevaluation
During your first few appointments with your EMDR therapist, you will learn more about what each phase entails. In these sessions, you will gain a clearer idea of what EMDR therapy will look like for you. You will also get the chance to express any concerns or questions you have about each phase. Your EMDR therapist will go at your pace, ensuring you feel in control of this process.
Will I cry during EMDR?
As you go through EMDR therapy, uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations will arise. However, at the end of each session, your EMDR therapist will help you feel grounded and safe using targeted techniques. Your therapist will also teach you coping skills to use outside of your sessions.
Going through the 8 phases of EMDR is a process. If any of the phases feel overwhelming, your EMDR therapist will be there to support you and help you manage your emotions. Your EMDR therapist will:
- Create a safe environment with compassion, empathy, and understanding
- Pause the session when you need a break
- Talk to you about the emotions that are coming up during the EMDR process
- Teach you grounding techniques to reduce distress, including:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Focusing on your surroundings
- Using a comforting object
- Adjust the approach, if needed, such as slowing down the process or using a different treatment modality
What happens in the brain during EMDR?
EMDR is based on the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which explains how memories are processed and integrated. It is believed that some past disturbing experiences are not processed adequately and become “stuck”, unprocessed memories. These unprocessed memories get stuck in the amygdala-hippocampal complex. This is the part of the brain that processes emotions. When this happens, present-day triggers can cause you to experience thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations similar to the initial experience.
To help us better understand this process, let’s explore what happens with everyday experiences that are not traumatic:
When something good happens, like going to the beach or having lunch with a friend, the amygdala (a part of the brain) stays calm. We go on with our day, sleep well, and our brain processes and stores these happy memories during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. But when a traumatic event happens, the amygdala gets overstimulated. This can make it difficult for the brain to process the memory. Therefore, it gets “stuck”, leaving you with unpleasant, lingering symptoms.
How does the eye movement in EMDR work?
Eye movements, aka bilateral stimulation (BLS), help to slow the overstimulated amygdala down by activating both hemispheres of the brain. BLS can help to reduce vivid emotions associated with traumatic memories by offering a calming effect on the nervous system. This allows your brain waves to synchronize, helping you process the traumatic memory in a new way.
Are eye movements required?
Although eye movements are often used during parts of EMDR sessions, some modifications can be made to fit your needs. In addition to eye movements, tactile sensations (i.e., tapping) or auditory cues (with headphones) can be used. Every person is different and some people respond better depending on the type of BLS. Your therapist will help you choose the right one based on your needs.
How long is the average EMDR treatment?
Each session typically lasts from 45 to 90 minutes. The 8 phases of EMDR can take 6-12 sessions. However, the frequency and overall number of sessions can vary based on need and the complexity of symptoms and trauma being treated. Some people may benefit from shorter treatment (a few months) while others may require longer treatment (up to a year) for lasting results. Your EMDR therapist can help you get a clearer idea of the length of treatment needed to meet your goals.
Are there any negative effects of EMDR?
EMDR involves revisiting uncomfortable memories. While processing traumatic memories, you may temporarily notice increased distress. This is why it is important to have coping skills and support in place to help you manage any emotional distress that may arise during or outside of sessions.
How do I know if I should do EMDR?
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for EMDR therapy is to have a qualified EMDR therapist conduct an assessment with you. EMDR therapy is likely suitable for you if your distressing memories continue to cause significant emotional troubles in your daily life. EMDR therapy may be appropriate if you experience symptoms like:
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive memories
- Negative changes in mood
- Persistent negative thoughts about self or the world
EMDR is known for helping people heal from PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) caused by traumatic events, including:
- Accidents
- Natural disasters
- Abuse (of any kind)
- Witnessing violence
- Combat/military service
- Illnesses or medical procedures
EMDR therapy can also help those who feel distress after disturbing life transitions, such as:
- Grief/loss
- Relocation
- Birth and/or parenting
- Divorce/separation
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Leaving an abusive relationship
By evaluating your history, current symptoms, and specific needs, your therapist can determine if EMDR therapy is appropriate for you. Your therapist can provide personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your goals.
Consider working with a trauma therapist in New Jersey
Are you feeling nervous about trying a new type of therapy? It’s completely natural to feel hesitant when considering EMDR therapy. Please know that you are in control of your treatment every step of the way. Your EMDR therapist is here to guide you, offering support and understanding without rushing the process. Together, we’ll work at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable.
In person EMDR therapy near Edison, NJ
Doing EMDR treatment in person, versus online, offers several unique benefits:
- Preferred Therapeutic Connection: Some clients prefer face-to-face interaction for stronger rapport and meaningful connection. This connection can help you trust your EMDR therapist, making it easier to navigate the difficult emotions that arise.
- Controlled Environment: In-person sessions for EMDR provide a controlled, safe environment free from distractions. This can help you focus better and engage more fully in the therapy process.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Our in-person therapy sessions in Metuchen, NJ ensure that your conversations remain private and confidential within the therapist’s office. In person EMDR therapy provides a secure space to discuss sensitive issues.
- Use of Physical Tools: Some EMDR techniques involve physical tools such as hand buzzers or light bars to facilitate the bilateral stimulation process. For those who prefer these methods, in person EMDR near Edison, NJ is a reliable option.
Remote EMDR in New Jersey
If in person EMDR isn’t preferred or available to you, doing EMDR therapy can be just as effective. Remote EMDR in NJ offers:
- Convenience and Accessibility: Remote EMDR therapy eliminates the need to travel, making it easier to fit therapy into your busy schedule. This is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, limited transportation, or fears of leaving the house.
- Comfort of Your Own Space: Being in your own space during EMDR therapy can provide a sense of comfort and security. This might make it easier to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. This familiar environment can be particularly comforting when dealing with traumatic memories.
- Flexibility: Remote sessions offer greater flexibility in scheduling, allowing for more options to find a time that works best for you. This can help maintain consistency in attending therapy sessions.
- Access to Specialized Therapists: You can work with a therapist who specializes in EMDR, even if they are not located near you. This widens your options to find the best fit for your needs, especially if you’re searching for a therapist of color in NJ or a couples therapist who works specifically with trauma.
- Reduced Anxiety: For some people, attending therapy in a new or unfamiliar environment can be anxiety-provoking. Remote sessions can help reduce this anxiety, making it easier to focus on the therapy itself.
- Continued Therapy During Disruptions: Remote EMDR allows you to continue your therapy without interruption due to unforeseen circumstances like travel, illness, weather, or public health issues.
Remote EMDR therapy provides a flexible, accessible, and comfortable alternative to in-person sessions, allowing you to receive the same quality of care and support from the comfort of your home!
Start eye desensitization therapy near Edison, NJ or online
Take the first step towards healing by reaching out today. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how EMDR therapy can help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Your journey to well-being starts here.
If you would like to learn more about EMDR treatment, we would be happy to answer all your questions. Reach out now.
Other types of trauma therapy near Metuchen, New Jersey
If you’re not ready to jump into EMDR, that’s okay! There are other options for overcoming trauma. At Mindful Connections, we offer several types of informed therapies to address trauma. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Specifically designed to help younger clients, TF-CBT combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive-behavioral techniques to reduce symptoms of trauma.
- Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy helps you reframe and re-author your traumatic experiences. By telling your story, you can gain a new perspective and create a more empowering narrative about your life.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: IFS focuses on understanding and integrating different “parts” of yourself that may be in conflict as a result of trauma. It helps you heal by fostering self-compassion and internal harmony.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help you regulate emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships.
Each of these therapies offers unique techniques and approaches to help you process and heal from trauma.