What is EMDR?

EMDR’s approach is based on the idea that our brains and nervous systems have ways of remembering and handling experiences that are both physical and mental. In other words, some parts of a memory are the physical images, sounds, and feelings stored in our brains and nervous systems. Along with those physical parts, memories also include the thoughts and emotions connected with them, both of which we felt and thought when the experience happened and what we think and feel about it now.

 Normally, as time goes by our brains and nervous systems are able to “process” these physical sensations, thoughts, and feelings so that they become merely memories. The emotional pain and distress fade, so we are able to remember without feeling as strongly upset as we did when the event happened and while it was fresh in our minds.  This “processing” of experiences appears to have a physical element to it, often involving rapid eye movements like we have when we are dreaming.  Many researchers believe that when we dream, we are processing experiences in the way described above.

 It seems that painful memories sometimes get “stuck” and aren’t fully processed, which means they stay as fresh and painful as if they had just happened, sometimes for years or decades. This may happen because the actual experience is so intense that it overwhelms the processing system’s ability to handle it. This leaves the person who has had such an experience feeling that he or she can’t get over it. Sometimes, this is recognized by diagnostic terms such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and at other times may only be indicated by the client’s continuing to feel emotional pain that does not diminish with time.

EMDR uses guided eye movements or other rhythmic sensory activities such as listening to finger-snaps or feeling taps on a person’s hands, combined with training in relaxation and stress management and other mental and emotional therapy. This helps to “unstick” the processing mechanism and let the painful experiences shift from being fresh and painful to being memories that no longer cause intense upset. In other words, on a mental and emotional level, it changes them from unhealed wounds to faded scars.

Here are a few videos to watch:

• Introduction to EMDR Therapy
• Becoming and EMDR Therapist
   

Happy learning!

Kathy

Citation:
Couch, K. ( 2023, September 20). What is EMDR? [Blog Post]. Rewired360. Retrieved from https://www.rewired360.com/blog/what-is-emdr.