EMDR Therapy

Connecting the safety of now with the pain of then

After a traumatic event, the associated images, thoughts, and emotions may persist, leading to the reliving of the distressing experiences as if the trauma were happening all over again. This can also show up in some unexpected ways, such as anxiety, depression, obsessions, compulsions, panic attacks, substance abuse, relational problems, or dissociations. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps resolve these stuck memories and to desensitize triggers in an embodied way, allowing healing to take place.

EMDR therapy is a well-researched and effective method for addressing trauma and distressing experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief. EMDR employs bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, to assist the brain in processing and resolving unprocessed traumatic memories. This approach facilitates the brain's natural healing process, reducing the intense stress responses associated with traumatic memories.

HEALING BEGINS HERE

EMDR is an 8 Phase Therapy Model

EMDR is an eight-phase treatment, not just about eye movements or tapping. Each phase prepares and assesses the client’s readiness to reprocess trauma, reduce emotional distress, and foster healthier beliefs, ultimately helping individuals heal and regain control over their lives.

8 Phases of EMDR

Information is gathered to assess the client’s readiness for EMDR, and a personalized treatment plan is developed. Target memories and situations for processing are identified collaboratively. These may include recent distressing events, ongoing emotional triggers, past incidents, and areas where new skills and behaviors may be needed for future challenges.
The focus of this phase is on stabilization and skill development to ensure effective strategies are in place for managing emotional distress. If needed, additional coping skills are developed to help achieve emotional stability. These techniques are then used to manage stress both during and between sessions.
The focus is placed on identifying a specific memory to be processed. Important details, such as images, thoughts, and feelings related to the memory, are explored.
Eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are used to guide the individual through the memory. This process helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memory, making it less distressing.
The focus is on replacing the negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory with more positive ones, while also strengthening them to promote client empowerment and resilience.
Attention is paid to any physical sensations while thinking about the memory. If discomfort or tension arises, the processing continues until relaxation and ease are achieved in the body.
The therapist ensures that the individual feels stable and grounded at the end of the session. Relaxation exercises are used to help ensure that the session ends on a calm note, and any unfinished processing is noted for future sessions.
In the next session, the therapist checks in to assess how the individual is feeling and whether the changes made in previous sessions have been sustained. If necessary, any unresolved aspects of the memory or related issues are revisited.

ENDR Therapy and Complex Trauma

For clients who are suffering from complex or childhood traumas, standard EMDR therapy can sometimes feel too overwhelming, leading them to even consider discontinuing therapy. We address this challenge by recognizing the nuances of complex trauma and adapting the standard EMDR protocol in a way that aims to create a gentle and tolerable therapeutic environment.

At HST, our specialized therapists apply a multi-phase approach to treatment while incorporating creative and non-traditional methods. This includes integrating other modalities, such as Sand Tray, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment based Therapies, and Parts Work, to enhance the effectiveness of EMDR.

Our comprehensive training in understanding dissociation and its adaptive role in surviving trauma equips us to manage the complexities that arise during EMDR treatment. While our approach may deviate from the standard eight-phase model, it is designed to personalize therapy and to adapt it to the unique needs of each client.