EMDR Therapy for Trauma: What Is It and How Does It Help?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, better known as EMDR, is a

relatively new therapeutic approach to processing traumatic events and memories. EMDR is

conducted by a licensed and qualified psychologist who specializes in trauma-informed therapy

and PTSD symptoms. Although the idea of starting a new therapeutic approach can be pretty

intimidating for those who are new to trauma-based work or who are unfamiliar with therapy in

general, EMDR has been scientifically proven to be a highly effective method for addressing and

managing the symptoms of severe trauma. The science behind EMDR is quite complicated, but

to put it simply, the practice of EMDR focuses on bilateral stimulation, which often includes

rapid left-to-right eye movements that mimic the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep.

During the REM stage, similar to dreaming, the brain processes events that occurred during the

day or events that have happened in the past. Other forms of bilateral stimulation can include

tapping on the left and right sides of your body or listening to certain sounds. While you are

engaging in the bilateral stimulation, your psychologist will have you recall specific memories

and then will ask you questions about the event and the feelings attached to it. The purpose of

this is to allow your brain to establish a connection between the body and mind to better process

and move past the trauma.

Most therapists will take several measures to ensure your safety and comfortability

before, during, and after each session. In my experience, I worked closely with my therapist to

establish our goals for the session and identify moments or memories that were particularly

painful. My therapist and I also explored different methods of self-regulation in case the sessions

or the memories became too intense.

Initially, I was really hesitant to try EMDR. I thought it sounded like pseudo-science. The

whole idea seemed so foreign to me. In reality, I think I was afraid of confronting the extent of

my traumas. Eventually, I agreed to try it for a few sessions. In full transparency, I didn’t feel any

improvement for several weeks. If anything, I felt a bit worse. It wasn’t until about a month later

that I started to notice a difference. I realized that I was no longer constantly tormented by

intrusive thoughts or memories, my anger had become more manageable, and most importantly,

that I was starting to forgive myself. I remember the exact moment that I stopped blaming myself

for what happened. While I can’t say that EMDR was necessarily an “enjoyable” experience, I

can attest to the fact that it has had a remarkably positive impact in my life. For anyone out there

who might be struggling with their traumas, I highly recommend researching and asking your

provider about EMDR therapy.

EMDR Therapy: What It Is, Procedure & Effectiveness (clevelandclinic.org)

EMDR Therapy: How It Works, Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects (psychcentral.com)

Written by: Ciara Asonya, &Rise Volunteer