What is EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic experiences that are causing them persistent emotional distress. In this technique, the client focuses on a traumatic event while following the therapist's finger as it moves back and forth in their line of sight. The client is also asked to repeatedly assess the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations tied to the memory.

For LGBTQ individuals, this therapy can be a life-saver as they face potential sources of trauma like discrimination and violence due to their identity. These experiences can cause lasting psychological effects, which EMDR therapy can help them process. 

Keep reading to learn how EMDR therapy addresses trauma while promoting a deeper sense of self-acceptance and emotional recovery. 

What are the Effects of EMDR Therapy on the Brain?

EMDR therapy uses techniques like eye movements or taps to help process traumatic memories by stimulating both sides of the brain. The idea is that unprocessed traumatic memories create networks in the brain that trigger emotional distress, but EMDR encourages these memories to be reprocessed and integrated more effectively, reducing their emotional impact.

During therapy, brain activity shifts from areas related to visual processing and memory to regions involved in memory consolidation. Eye movements may help by easing the vividness of the traumatic memory, possibly by occupying working memory or mimicking the eye movements that happen during REM sleep, which helps process memories.

Though the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, research shows that EMDR helps reduce trauma symptoms, with even animals showing a decrease in fear responses after similar techniques.

What are EMDR Therapy Sessions Like?

In an EMDR therapy session, the therapist guides you through a structured process designed to help you process traumatic memories. The most common technique is visual bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements from side to side, although sounds or taps may also be used. This stimulation helps activate both sides of the brain, allowing you to reprocess distressing memories in a new way.

During the session, you'll focus on a specific memory that’s causing you emotional or physical distress. The therapist helps you bring up the trauma while adding new information that can change the way your brain stores the memory. For example, you may recognize that you’re no longer in danger or that you’re not to blame for the traumatic event. Over time, this reduces the emotional charge attached to the memory.

While strong emotions like grief or anger can arise as you revisit painful memories, these feelings often lessen as the brain processes the information. Some people may feel more tired or have vivid dreams as they engage with their trauma, but these are temporary side effects. With regular follow-up visits, the therapist adjusts the sessions to ensure the pace works for you. The goal is to heal from trauma in a relatively short amount of time, helping you feel more at peace and less burdened by the past.

Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is time-limited and structured, typically following an eight-phase approach that spans several sessions. 

Phase 1: History and Treatment Plan

In the first phase, your therapist will interview you, getting to know the issues you’re facing. This is where you both will work to determine troubling memories or situations that trigger emotional distress.

You’ll also discuss your treatment goals and work on a plan to address them.

Phase 2: Building Coping Tools

The second phase is all about giving you tools to manage emotions. Your therapist will guide you on a variety of techniques—like visualization and stress-relief exercises—that you can use during and after your sessions. The goal here is to help you stay balanced while making real progress in the therapy process.

Phases 3-6: Processing Memories

In these phases, you’ll focus on processing specific memories that cause you distress. You’ll identify a vivid image related to the memory, the negative beliefs you associate with it, and the feelings or sensations that come up. You’ll also choose a positive belief to replace the negative one. Through bilateral stimulation—like eye movements or taps—you’ll process the memory while letting your mind wander and notice whatever comes up. 

The therapist will adjust the focus as needed and guide you through several rounds of this until the memory no longer triggers distress. Once that happens, you’ll focus on reinforcing the positive belief.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of a session, your therapist will ask that you log your experiences for a week. This will let you track thoughts or feelings related to the memory you’re working on. It will also help remind you of the techniques you’ve learned to calm yourself and keep you on track.

Phase 8: Re-Evaluation

This phase reviews your progress. Your therapist will check in on how you're doing emotionally and continue working to resolve any remaining distress from past events. They’ll also help you get ready for how you’ll respond to any potential triggers in the future.

Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy can benefit anyone who has experienced trauma, whether recent or long-standing. It’s particularly helpful for people dealing with distress from events like physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, accidents, combat, or the loss of a loved one. This therapy can help even those who have suffered long-term emotional neglect or witnessed traumatic events.

Contrary to popular belief, this therapy isn’t just for those diagnosed with PTSD. This form of psychotherapy can help anyone struggling with persistent symptoms like nightmares, hypervigilance, or intrusive thoughts. It has been proven to help people carry the weight of traumatic memories, even if those memories date back decades. Whether the trauma is recent or from years ago, EMDR offers a path to healing, helping people find peace and regain control over their lives.

Start Your Healing Journey with Qspace Detox

If trauma, emotional distress, or past experiences are holding you back, EMDR therapy at Qspace Detox can help you process those wounds and regain control over your life. Whether you're struggling with memories tied to discrimination, violence, or other sources of trauma, we’re here to support you. 

Our expert team will help you heal in a safe, supportive environment.

Don’t let the past define your future. Reach out to Qspace Detox at 305-745-7768 today and take a step toward emotional recovery.