Are you interested in starting EMDR therapy, but unsure of what to expect? From a therapist that has experienced EMDR herself, let’s talk about it!
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing experiences. It involves recalling a traumatic event while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process aims to reduce the emotional charge associated with the memory, facilitating adaptive processing and integration into the individual's overall narrative.To learn more about EMDR, watch this video on Jameela Jamil’s experience
How would you describe it?
First off, I would like to start by saying that every person who does EMDR therapy will have a different experience, and may have a different description than I do. Based on my own personal experience, I would describe the process of EMDR that is reprocessing our trauma as if you are in a moving car, looking out the window, watching the images of the scenery change. Other people compare it to changing the channel on the route at a rapid paste. Instead of the scenes in your mind being tv channels or trees outside your car window, the images are often clips of memories you’ve experienced. The images in your mind that pop up will be memories that you’ve experienced that you may, or may not have remembered prior. Sometimes, your mind may switch from one memory to another. If this happens, it often means that somehow in your brain, those memories are connected. These connections in your memories is something that you can process with your therapist as you learn more about the why behind the connection. Watch this video on Prince Harry’s experience and demonstration of EMDR therapy
In the moment of doing EMDR, you might experience a range of feelings:
Nostalgia and Discomfort: As you focus on a distressing memory, you may feel a wave of discomfort, sadness, or anxiety. It can feel intense, as you're bringing up difficult emotions.
Physical Sensations: Some people report physical sensations like tension or tightness in their bodies, while others may feel a release or lightness as they process emotions.
Emotional Release: You might find yourself experiencing strong emotions—anger, grief, or fear—coming to the surface. This can feel overwhelming but is often part of the healing process.
Calmness or Grounding: As you progress through the bilateral stimulation, many start to feel a sense of calm or grounding. The process can create a soothing effect that helps lessen the intensity of the emotions.
Clarity or Insight: You may experience moments of clarity or new perspectives on the memory, which can feel enlightening or empowering.
Fatigue or Vulnerability: After a session, you might feel emotionally drained or vulnerable, similar to finishing a workout. This is a natural part of processing.
As previously mentioned, EMDR can feel different for everyone. Many people report a mix of emotions during sessions. Initially, you might feel some discomfort as you revisit distressing memories, but this often shifts to a sense of relief or even clarity as you process those feelings. The overall goal with utilizing EMDR therapy is to still remember your previous trauma, but have reduced physical sensations or emotions than you did beforehand. We currently have three therapists trained in EMDR. You can learn about Taylor, Megan or Katie and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
With care,
Taylor🖤
Comments