What Is EMDR Therapy?

A Deeper Explanation

The whole process of EMDR is more than just eye movements, though. Overall there are eight steps to the method that really hone in on the specific trauma memory.

It is key to identify the triggering memory and then be able to process it fully. The plan then becomes to replace the negative feelings with healthier, more positive ones. 

It’s a structured plan to move through. Here are what the eight steps look like.

1. Client History

Your therapist will take this time to get to know your history, from childhood to the present. Your family, your upbringing, major life events, and any traumatic events are fair game to explore. By gaining an understanding of your clinical background, they will be able to pinpoint which area to focus on. It’s human nature to either avoid the matter and/or associate a negative emotion with traumatic experiences. During this process, you aren’t working on everything negative but rather on a key experience that stands out.

2. Preparation

Once the experience and associated beliefs are identified, they will need to prepare you for what to expect. Emphasis is placed on being present and not fearing a confrontation with your trauma. It’s important to note that this may not be a comfortable process, but it has been proven to be successful. Prepare to be comfortable with the uncomfortable…or at least open to the experience.

3. Assessment

The work begins here. Your therapist will ask questions to paint a picture of the traumatic memory. They want to know what current beliefs you have about said trauma.

4. Desensitization 

Bilateral stimulation is used to stimulate the brain to process the trauma. This is where eye movement comes into play. You will be instructed to follow a target, likely their hand, across your field of vision. While moving your eyes, you will be instructed to keep focusing on your trauma experience. A dual focus on internal and external experiences simultaneously. You will be asked to scale and re-scale the intensity you feel about your specific memory. This goes on until your rating decreases. 

5. Installation

At this time, the positive thoughts or beliefs are “installed” in place of the negative ones that previously existed. Things like “I am good” or “I am worthy” are used to allow a sense of letting go of the original ones. The intensity you carry is lessened, and hopefully, you will have started to make peace with the memory.

6. Body Scan

You will be encouraged to scan your body and identify any areas of lingering stress or abnormal sensations. That bilateral stimulation may need to be repeated to reduce anything remaining. 

7. Closure

Since trauma carries a certain level of complexity, it may take more time to fully reprocess a memory. Everyone is different, after all. Therefore, you might need multiple sessions. Once a session is finished, you will be restored to a state of calm or equilibrium.

8. Re-evaluation

After a memory has been successfully reprocessed, your therapist will complete a check-in. This usually occurs in the following session to ensure the process works.

If you’ve experienced trauma in your past, EMDR may be a helpful method for you. Reach out to us for a consultation today.