What to Expect When Starting EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a great way to reprogram your mind and break cycles. EMDR therapy works by enhancing your body’s natural healing processes. Your brain’s neural networks and channels of associations control the EMDR process. You are processing the trauma with both hemispheres of the brain stimulated.
During EMDR, clients tend to “process” the memory. But, this happens in a way that leads to more insight into long-held negative beliefs about the self. Oftentimes, these insights have grown out of the original traumatic event. For example, an assault victim may come to realize that they are not to blame for what happened. They understand they are now safe, and, as a result, can regain a general sense of safety in their world.
What happens during EMDR Treatment?
Many clients wonder what actually occurs in a typical EMDR session and how it can impact them over time. There are eight phases of treatment in EMDR therapy. The duration of treatment depends on two factors. The severity of your trauma reactions and your response to treatment over time. But, you can expect your EMDR therapy sessions to follow a rather predictable path.
During the initial phase of treatment, your therapist will ask for your history and get an understanding of your trauma and current triggers.
Then, your therapist will work with you to learn some calming and grounding strategies to use when you feel overwhelmed or triggered and ensure that you can bring yourself back a state of calm when feeling activated.
In the rapid eye movement phase, the client focuses on a troubling memory. They identify the belief they have about themselves connected to this negative memory. For example, in dealing with rape, the person may believe “I am dirty." The client then creates a positive belief that they would like to have about themselves. This may include statements like “I am a worthy and good person.” All the physical sensations and emotions that go with the memory are identified. The individual then goes over the memory while focusing on an external stimulus that creates bilateral eye movement or bilateral tapping.
After each set of bilateral movements, the therapist checks in. They ask what the client is noticing. The part of the brain that communicates in images works faster than the part that communicates in words. So, it's encouraged to give the highlights of what is coming up during these sets. This process works to desensitize you to the memories and negative associations. The goal is to help you learn to process those things and place less negative weight on them. Bilateral stimulation helps you move your eyes and awareness back and forth across your body's midline. This helps the hemispheres of your brain talk to each other in a more efficient way.
Am I doing this right?
It is normal for clients to be unsure if EMDR therapy is “working” or if they are “doing it right.” It can feel weird during your first few sessions of EMDR. You might not be used to working in this way. The important thing to remember is that EMDR uses the concept of free association. There are no right or wrong answers during processing. If you ever feel stuck, or overwhelmed your EMDR therapist will be able to help redirect you. Together, they can help to ground you back in the present.
Before leaving, your therapist will guide you through grounding and self-soothing strategies. These help ensure that you are leaving the session feeling regulated and in control.
AFTER AN EMDR SESSION
As a therapist who offers EMDR, I have noticed that many of my clients report feeling more fatigued or drained after EMDR therapy.
It's possible that you might feel more sensitive or sad if you are working on an old wound. These often haven't been touched before. What’s important to remember is that this is all part of the healing process. Even if you feel worse for a moment, that moment will not last. Your EMDR therapist will ensure that you have the tools and strategies to manage this.
It’s also important to note that processing can often continue even after you leave the session. Your brain and body are still moving toward healing. Clients often report making new connections and have new insights.
Overcoming Trauma with EMDR
EMDR does not make people forget their painful experiences. Nor does it stop people from being sad sometimes about them. Yet, the memories will become only that: memories. They will become less upsetting because they are filed in the brain as something that happened in the past. You don't have to relive the memory over and over in the present. You will be able to recall them but without the painful emotional charge.
If you're thinking about EMDR therapy, contact an experienced EMDR therapist. They can help you learn more about how EMDR can help you process trauma. This can help you get a better idea of whether it will be a good treatment option for you.
Begin EMDR Therapy in Westchester County
Starting EMDR may sound intimidating at first, but with the right support, it can accelerate your healing journey. I offer support from my Westchester County therapy practice where I see clients from Pleasantville, Chappaqua, Bedford, and Mt. Kisco. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Other Services Offered with Joanna N Rosenblatt
EMDR therapy is not the only service I offer from my Westchester, NY-based therapy practice. I also offer therapy for women, trauma, infertility, maternal overwhelm, and parenting stress. In addition, I offer anxiety treatment, OCD treatment, sexuality and intimacy issues, and online therapy. Feel free to learn more about me, or visit my blog today!