EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that was originally developed to help individuals process traumatic memories. It's based on the idea that traumatic memories can get "stuck" in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. EMDR has been researched extensively and has been found to be effective in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. It's a structured therapy approach that integrates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with unique techniques specific to EMDR.

What to Expect

EMDR involves eight phases, starting with history taking and building a foundation of trust between the therapist and client. Dr. de Soler helps the client identify specific traumatic memories or triggers to target. During an EMDR session, she guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, taps, or sounds, while focusing on memories allowing for processing and re-integration of the experience. This bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain process the traumatic memories more effectively, leading to a reduction in distress and an increase in adaptive coping strategies.

Key Principles of EMDR

Adaptive Information Processing: EMDR is based on the belief that the brain has a natural capacity to process and heal from psychological trauma. The therapy aims to facilitate this innate healing process by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a more adaptive way.

Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, which can involve eye movements, taps, or auditory tones. This bilateral stimulation is thought to help integrate the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which may aid in processing distressing memories.

Targeted Memory Processing: EMDR focuses on identifying and targeting specific traumatic memories that may contribute to current distressing symptoms. The therapy aims to desensitizeand reprocess these memories, leading to a reduction in their emotional intensity and associated symptoms.

Dual Awareness: EMDR promotes dual awareness, allowing clients to simultaneously focus on distressing memories while being aware of their present surroundings and safety. This dual attention helps create a sense of safety and reduce the emotional impact of the traumatic memories.

Resourcing: Before processing traumatic memories, EMDR therapists often help clients develop internal resources and coping skills to ensure they have the capacity to manage distressing emotions during the reprocessing of traumatic memories.

Installation of Positive Beliefs: EMDR includes the process of installing positive beliefs to replace negative self-perceptions that may have developed as a result of traumatic experiences. This can help empower individuals and foster resilience.

Additional Benefits of EMDR

Clinical research and evidence-based benefits of EMDR processing are multifaceted. Clients typically report a reduction in distressing symptoms and a decrease in activity of the fight flight system. EMDR works to resolve trauma related triggers. The highlighted feature of EMDR is the improvement of emotional regulation which is hallmark goal in psychotherapy. The client develops and enhances self-awareness and resilience, during life’s frequent challenges.