What is EMDR Therapy?

During an EMDR session, after thorough assessment and preparation, you will focus on a specific distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This typically involves following the therapist's finger movements with your eyes, but can also include tapping or auditory tones that alternate from one side of the body to the other. 

This bilateral stimulation is believed to activate the brain's natural information processing system, allowing the "stuck" memory to be reprocessed in a safer and more adaptive way. As this happens, the emotional charge of the memory often decreases, negative beliefs can shift, and new insights can emerge. 

EMDR therapy is a structured eight-phase approach, which includes:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: Identifying the target memories and developing a treatment plan. 
2. Preparation: Ensuring you have adequate coping skills and understanding the EMDR process. 
3. Assessment: Activating the target memory and identifying related negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations. 
4. Desensitization: Processing the target memory using bilateral stimulation while you focus on different aspects of the memory. 
5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs that have emerged during reprocessing. 
6. Body Scan: Identifying and processing any residual physical sensations related to the target memory. 
7. Closure: Ensuring you feel grounded and stable at the end of the session. 
8. Re-evaluation: Assessing progress and planning future sessions. 

EMDR therapy is not about erasing memories, but rather about taking the emotional charge out of them so they no longer cause distress in your daily life. It can be a powerful and efficient treatment for a wide range of issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, and more. While the process can sometimes bring up intense emotions, it is conducted within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, and you are always in control of the pace.