What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a somatic (body-based) psychotherapy which combines neuroscience (neuropathways), cognitive behavioural therapy, inner child, ego states (‘parts’ of us), Depth, Transpersonal and Positive psychologies, and incorporates the healing nature of the psyche or the brain’s adaptive system.
EMDR using a 3-pronged approach which deals with current triggers, past memories, and future application of the sessions’ insights and learnings. The eye movements (also known as bi-lateral stimulation) are REM or dream-like in nature, activate both right and left brain hemispheres, and tap into the rich unconscious material, both body and mind. Please note, this is NOT hypnosis.
Why am I excited to offer EMDR?
EMDR allows the client to access conscious and unconscious memories which are associated with negative cognitions/thoughts (E.g., “I’m unlovable,” “I’m stupid,” “I’m a disappointment.”) and goes back to the origins (roots) of these in order to clear up both the (false) negative message/voice and the unpleasant feelings (E.g., sad, angry) associated with this memory.
As one client stated, EMDR should be called “Back to the Future.” As we know, the past is often in the present, as unprocessed disturbing or negative memories continue to haunt us (our “baggage”) in our current triggers, patterns, relationships, body symptoms, beliefs, etc.
The past is never dead. It’s not even past.
– William Faulkner, Requiem for a Nun.
Over the years, I have witnessed some amazing changes in clients (and with my own EMDR sessions) with minimal sessions (3-5). EMDR desensitizes the emotional charge or energy and reprocesses the negative belief into a positive (and true!) one. Young and even pre-verbal memories are accessed and processed – with cognitive changes from “I’m a loser” to “I’m doing my best”; from “I’m messed up” to “I’m good enough.” Clients make sense of the past, feel emotional relief and are more able to move forward with daily life and goals.
This 11 minute video shares some personal EMDR experiences as well as excellent clinical explanations.
Where to start?
Clients identify one focus or ‘target’ they would like to address. This could be:
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- Negative beliefs (E.g., “I’m not good enough.” “I’m helpless.” “It’s my fault.”)
- Intense emotions (E.g., anger, guilt, etc.)
- What keeps bothering you? (E.g., worst memory, flashbacks, trauma, nightmares)
- Certain situations (E.g., holidays, flying, social outings, medical trauma)
- Certain age (E.g., age 10 (divorce, moved, sad))
Call (250-586-7380) or email to arrange a complimentary 15-minute phone, Zoom or in-person consultation.
What does a typical EMDR session look like?
The EMDR protocol follows this format:
Session 1:
A brief history of the client is explored, including childhood, patterns, and key relationships.
Current concerns, goals and possible targets are identified with 1 isolated for initial work.
We make certain the client is “resourced” – able to emotional ground/regulate themselves via breathing, or other calming techniques. Questions about the EMDR process are addressed as is a review of the EMDR protocol.
For current clients: the above would already be established and the session would proceed into identifying the target and launching into the ‘floatback’ stage.
A guided ‘floatback’ is conducted – starting with the target/current situation, going back in time and identifying similar instances, ending in childhood (root memory). The EARLIEST and WORST memories are identified.
Session 2:
A quick check-in starts the session.
(If not already done in session 1), identification of the ‘target’ to be worked with.
Conduct or finish the ‘floatback’, identifying the EARLIEST and WORST memories.
Begin the formal EMDR (bi-lateral eye movement or knee-tapping) technique with the EARLIEST memory.
You can view a (rather formal) demonstration (the 1st 11 minutes of the video) of this stage of the protocol here. (Please note – I DO NOT use the clicker or client self-tapping technique. I use the hand/finger waving or knee-tapping method and will dialogue a bit more with you during the process.)
Sessions 3,4,5 …
A quick check-in.
We’ll continue with the EMDR bi-lateral technique with the EARLIEST memory until ‘cleared’ (desensitized and reprocessed).
The WORST memory is next addressed using the same EMDR technique until ‘cleared’ (desensitized and reprocessed).
Repeat the EMDR technique with the CURRENT (initial target) until ‘cleared.’
Each session ends with a client check-in and grounding (as needed).
Please note – it varies as to how long it takes to ‘clear’ each memory. Do not assume it will take 1 session for each. Each session revisits the memories to check if there are any residual associations.
It is recommended that you commit to a minimum of 4-5 sessions to get some solid processing/healing. It is recommended that sessions are not more than 2-3 weeks apart and clients are advised to pre-book their appointments to ensure adequate session flow.
Did You Know?
EMDR is a treatment modality recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, the Defense Department, and the World Health Organization in treating trauma.
For further information explore these links. Although most talk about EMDR and trauma, ANY issue can be ‘targeted.’
An NBC news feature on EMDR (3.5 m) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYy2NBXkPSo
EMDR founder Francine Shapiro talks about EMDR (8 m) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZtGDnReCys
An article in which Shapiro answers questions on EMDR. https://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/expert-answers-on-e-m-d-r/
Lots of good EMDR Q & A in article format.
http://www.emdr.com/frequent-questions/
