EMDR Therapy is believed to disrupt working memory and mimic the natural memory processing characteristics of sleep and the mind heals itself naturally in the same way that the body does. Much of our natural coping mechanisms occur during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the ‘dream stage’ of sleep. However, when we experience a traumatic event, our brain’s processing system can get overwhelmed. The memory is not processed but gets ‘locked’ into the nervous system. Remembering the distressing event may feel like being ‘re-experienced’ because the images and feelings are unprocessed and, therefore, unchanged. Once traumatic memories have been desensitised and reprocessed, they no longer have the same negative impact. Memories typically become less vivid and upsetting, intrusive symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks reduce or cease, and more adaptive beliefs emerge.

EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods:  the past, present, and future.  Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events.  It is also given to current events and/ or situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions. EMDR therapy is based on an eight-phase treatment approach.

Phase 1:  History-taking session(s).  The therapist assesses the client’s readiness and develops a treatment plan. The client identifies possible events/ experiences for EMDR processing.  These may include distressing memories and current situations that cause a heightened emotional response.  Other targets may include related incidents in the past. The development of specific skills and behaviours that will be resourced by the client in future situations.

Phase 2:  Resourcing- the therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of coping with their emotional responses.  The therapist may teach the client a variety of imagery and stress reduction techniques the client can use during and between sessions. A goal of EMDR therapy is to produce rapid and effective change while the client maintains equilibrium during and between sessions.

Phases 3-6:  Target assessment – a target is identified and processed using EMDR therapy procedures.  These involve the client identifying three things:
– The vivid visual image related to the memory
–  A negative belief about self
–  Related emotions and body sensations.
The client also identifies a preferred belief. 

EMDR processing involves using sets of bilateral stimulation.  These sets may include eye movements, taps, or tones.  The type and length of these sets is different for each client.  

Phase 7:  Closure – the therapist asks the client to keep a log during the week.  The log should document any related material that may arise.  The client may utilise their self-calming activities that were mastered in phase two.

Phase 8:  Phase eight consists of examining the progress made.  The EMDR treatment processes all related historical events, current incidents that elicit distress, and future events that will require different responses.

What are the symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?

• High anxiety
• lack of motivation
• depression
• trauma, past or present
• intrusive feelings/ memories 
• emotions such as guilt, shame and confusion may be targeted
• Difficulty in trusting others
• Relationship challenges
• Helping you to overcome one or more fears that you dread.