What Is EMDR and How Could It Help You Move Past Trauma?

Trauma does not just dissipate with the passage of time. You might have spent months in therapy discussing what has occurred, but still some memories are too present.

That's where EMDR comes in.

What EMDR Actually Is

EMDR is an acronym that means Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a treatment that assists your mind in processing the memories that got stuck.

This is what is different about it:

• You don't rehash every detail of what happened

• Works with your brain's natural processing system

• Uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping

• Less about talking, more about reprocessing

  
  

The basic idea is that traumatic memories sometimes get stored incorrectly in your brain.

EMDR helps move them to where they should be, processed and in the past, not constantly triggering you in the present.

How Sessions Actually Work

During an EMDR, you will trace the movements of the hands of your therapist using your eyes and momentarily focusing on a challenging memory.

The sliding back and forth of your eyes as a result of bilateral stimulation simply assists your brain in reworking the memory.

It is founded on the natural way your brain processes information in REM sleep. The eye movements appear to trigger the same pathways so that your brain finishes what it started.

What people typically notice:

• The memory becomes less vivid and intense

• Physical reactions to triggers decrease

• Anxiety around certain situations lessens

• Sleep quality improves

• General functioning gets easier

  
  

You're not forgetting what happened. The memory just stops having the same emotional grip on you.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR

EMDR was originally developed for PTSD. Though it also helps with a wider range of issues.

It's really effective for:

• Trauma of any kind. It can be related to childhood, accidents, assault, loss

• Anxiety rooted in specific events

• Flashbacks or any intrusive thoughts

• Panic attacks

• Depression connected to past experiences

• Getting stuck despite trying other therapies

  
  

You don't need to have experienced major trauma for EMDR to help. Sometimes it's the accumulation of smaller difficult experiences that needs processing.

What to Expect in Treatment

EMDR doesn't start by diving into your most painful memories. There's preparation involved.

The phases include:

• History taking and treatment planning

• Building coping skills and establishing safety

• Identifying target memories to work on

• Desensitization through bilateral stimulation

• Installation of positive beliefs

• Body scan to clear remaining tension

• Closure and reevaluation

  
  

Some people experience significant relief within a few sessions. Others need several months of treatment. Both timelines are normal.

Your therapist will move at a pace that feels manageable. If something feels like too much, you can pause and regroup.

Get Support at Magnolia Psychiatric Services

EMDR has the potential to provide the relief that you have been seeking should past experiences continue to influence your daily life.

It is one way of healing without necessarily working through every painful aspect.

At Magnolia Psychiatric Services, Nadine Smith provides EMDR as part of her comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

She is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has more than 20 years of experience in mental health care.

The method of Nadine is solution-based. She considers the entire individual rather than the symptoms.

It is a matter of taking into account all of the biological, psychological, and social aspects that contribute to your mental health.

She integrates EMDR with other evidence-based treatments like medication management and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy when appropriate.

She provides telepsychiatry services to adults aged 18-64 years old in a variety of states.

Sessions occur in the location that you feel comfortable, at home, at work or any location that is private.

Reach Out

Contact Magnolia Psychiatric Services today.

We'll talk through what you're dealing with and create a plan that makes sense for your situation.