How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy often used to treat PTSD and trauma-related issues. It is based on the idea that traumatic events are not always fully processed by the brain at the time they occur. This can leave individuals feeling stuck, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or intense emotional reactions, as though the events are still happening.
When the brain encounters a trigger connected to the trauma, it can struggle to distinguish between the past and the present, causing the same distress to resurface. EMDR therapy helps to reprocess these traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and enabling individuals to recall the events without reliving the overwhelming emotions.
During an EMDR session, a therapist guides you to focus briefly on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, rhythmic tapping, or alternating audio tones. This process involves both sides of the brain, helping the memory to become "unstuck" so it can be processed in a healthier way.
There are several theories about how EMDR works. One suggests that focusing on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation divides the brain's attention, making the memory feel less vivid and emotionally charged. Another theory proposes that the bilateral stimulation triggers physiological changes, such as slower breathing and a reduced heart rate, helping the nervous system move from a fight-or-flight response to a calmer, more regulated state.
Although researchers are still uncovering the exact mechanisms behind EMDR, it has been shown to help individuals process trauma and move forward without being overwhelmed by their past.
Comments