Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Therapeutic Approach: 

• At EmotionFit, we create a relationship in which you can safely target specific traumas, memories, and negative belief systems to find emotional freedom.

• EMDR can be utilized in virtual and in-person formats with reprocessing of specific memories and improvement in trauma-related symptoms occurring within weeks to months.  

• If this sounds like something you are looking for, please reach out to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.

EMDR Therapy: 

EMDR, or Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a specialized approach designed to help individuals reorganize and make sense of tough experiences to get to a place where thoughts and feelings are more settled. This type of therapy is highly effective for distinct traumatic events as well as accumulated experiences that inform the deeply held beliefs that may be getting in the way of healing. By using strategies that integrate the body through eye-movement, tapping, or other bilateral stimulations, EMDR helps to strengthen the brain’s capacity for processing trauma fully without emotional overwhelm or dissociation. 

Key Principles:

• Adaptive Information Processing (AIP): EMDR is grounded in the belief that the mind has an inherent capacity for healing. So, we aim to activate the brain’s natural systems to reorganize and make sense of tough experiences so that you can move forward in a healthier way. In fact, the first parts of EMDR are around building on the brain’s strengths and shoring up resources before we dive into the traumatic events. 

• Targeting Disturbing Memories: We focus on specific traumatic memories rather than a broad exploration of one’s life history, which is helpful for clients looking for focused trauma therapy, whether it be in Counseling Encinitas or virtually.

• Dual Awareness: We encourage maintaining a dual awareness during the processing of memories. This means holding the traumatic memory in mind while simultaneously remaining aware of the present moment. This helps to prevent overwhelming emotions and foster a sense of control during the therapeutic process.  

• Bilateral Stimulation: A cornerstone of EMDR involves the use of rhythmic left-right stimulation through guided eye movements, taps, or auditory cues. This stimulation is thought to aid in maintaining present awareness as well as facilitate the processing of distressing memories, promoting their transformation to more adaptive thoughts and beliefs. 

The EMDR Therapy Process:

1. Assessment: We begin by gathering information about your history, trauma experiences, and current symptoms, which are then incorporated into a plan, tailored for those seeking therapy near me or Psychologists Encinitas.

2. Preparation/Resourcing: We teach strategies, referred to as resources, to manage emotional distress and establish a foundation of trust and safety, essential for clients pursuing faith-based therapy or Christian counseling.

3. Reprocessing and Desensitization: We work through a series of steps identifying the associated negative beliefs and baseline levels of emotional distress related to a target memory. Then, using bilateral stimulation, we explore and reprocess the traumatic memories until the emotional distress associated with them diminishes. 

4. Installation and Body Scan: Positive beliefs and emotions are reinforced to replace negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memories, enhancing self-esteem and resilience. We then check in with the body to identify and address any remaining physical tension or discomfort associated with the targeted memories. We may return to reprocessing and desensitization as needed until the discomfort is worked through thoughts, emotions, and the body. 

5. Closure and Reevaluation: This phase ensures that each session ends with some sense of stability and grounding even if reprocessing is not complete. We will discuss strategies to manage any lingering distress between sessions. Once a target memory has been fully processed for the past memory, present triggers, and future situations, we will review progress and transition to the next target memory. 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy:

• Focused Trauma processing: The structured nature of EMDR allows for targeted processing of specific memories and their associated negative beliefs, without the need to go through one’s entire history. This focused approach allows individuals to address and reprocess the root causes of their distress, potentially leading to faster resolution of trauma-related symptoms. 

• Dual Awareness and Physiological Regulation: The integration of dual awareness—paying attention to the physical present and the traumatic memories simultaneously—helps to prevent overwhelming emotions and contributes to a sense of control during the processing of distressing memories. Similarly, the process promotes physiological regulation during sessions, which in turn helps to promote a sense of calm as reprocessing is completed. 

• Less Verbal Disclosure: EMDR doesn’t necessarily require extensive verbal disclosure of traumatic events. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to express or articulate their feelings as well as for those who find themselves lost in patterns of overthinking. 

• Empirical Support: Numerous studies have demonstrated EMDR’s efficacy in reducing symptoms related to PTSD and trauma-related distress. Research consistently highlights its comparability to traditional talk therapies. EMDR has demonstrated its capacity to foster sustained relief from trauma symptoms, building resilience for lasting healing. More information on the evidence base can be found at : https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr?implicit-login=true. Here is an article from the New York Times that describes the EMDR therapy process: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/19/well/emdr-therapy.html

Conclusion:

EMDR provides a holistic approach to recovering from past traumas with greater emotional resiliency. By integrating the mind and body through bilateral stimulation, processing traumatic memories can occur with increased capacity for emotional regulation, bringing the release from the symptoms associated with trauma. 

Find freedom from past traumas and the attached negative beliefs.

Reach out to one of our therapists today.