EMDR
What is EMDR?
When something disturbing happens it gets stored in the brain in a way that our human system feels that event is either going to happen again at any moment, or is happening now. When some event happens that may be similar or just has an element that reminds the system of that disturbing event, the brain reacts as if the original disturbing event is happening.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) helps to move the storage of that memory to a more functional part of the brain that can experience the event as actually being in the past.
How does it work?
This is achieved by gently stimulating the brain to move the memory from the amygdala to the archive of the hippocampus. The gentle bilateral (side to side) stimulation is achieved through client’s eye movements, listening to sounds or tactile stimulation of the hands. The bilateral stimulation of EMDR creates biochemical changes in the brain and normal information processing is resumed. EMDR makes it possible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the client to choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their re-actions.
After EMDR the person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the trauma or disturbing event is brought to mind. The person can now react to the present without the past interfering.
What does it treat?
EMDR can be used for symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, grief and early childhood trauma.
“EMDR Therapy changes maladaptive neural networks by connecting the traumatic memory with new information. The distressing thoughts and emotions are blended with new positive thoughts and emotions; embodied awareness allows frozen sensations in the body to resolve through healing movements.”
“-Arielle Schwartz