EMDR

What is EMDR?

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy that helps process significant, often traumatic experiences. EMDR is based on the idea that unprocessed memories and negative experiences are not properly processed and get stuck in your brain. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, insomnia, or even depression. EMDR helps to process these memories so that they no longer hinder your daily life.

 

How does EMDR work?

 

EMDR is based on the concept that your brain is naturally capable of processing traumatic experiences, but sometimes this process gets stuck. During a traumatic event, the information is often not stored properly, causing it to resurface later in the form of unwanted thoughts or emotions.

In EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation, which means stimulating both hemispheres of the brain. This is often done by having your eyes move from left to right, or through other forms of stimulation, such as sounds or tapping. These movements help your brain reprocess the unprocessed memories in a healthy way, so they lose their intensity, and you are less affected by them.

​

What happens during an EMDR session?

 

An EMDR session consists of several steps, where we work together to process a specific memory or experience. The main steps are:

1. Choosing a memory: Together, we look at the event that causes you the most pain or still has a significant impact on your life.

2. Identifying negative beliefs: We examine which negative thoughts or beliefs you have about yourself in relation to the event, such as "I am not safe" or "I am not good enough."

3. Bilateral stimulation: While thinking about the memory, your therapist will ask you to move your eyes from left to right or use another form of stimulation. This helps your brain reprocess the information.

4. Processing the memory: As the stimulation continues, you will notice that the memory begins to change. You will feel less burdened by the event and the associated emotions.

5. Positive belief: After the processing, we focus on developing a positive belief you want to adopt, such as "I am safe" or "I am good enough." This helps you feel stronger and more confident in your daily life.

​

Why is EMDR effective?

 

EMDR is effective because it focuses on the underlying emotional responses we have to traumatic memories. Instead of just talking about what happened, the memory is reprocessed so your brain no longer perceives it as a threat. This reduces the power of the memory, allowing you to move on with your life without the event continuing to haunt you.

Bilateral stimulation, or the back-and-forth movement of the eyes or other forms of stimulation, has been shown to enhance the brain's memory processing, resulting in faster and more lasting results.

​

Who is EMDR suitable for?

 

EMDR is a suitable therapy for anyone dealing with:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

• Anxiety and phobias

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Grief processing

• Stress after significant events (such as an accident or loss)

• Negative beliefs about oneself (such as feelings of guilt or shame)

It is also helpful for individuals who get stuck in their emotions after a painful experience or who constantly have thoughts about a traumatic event.

​

Conclusion

 

EMDR is an effective therapy that helps process trauma and significant experiences. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, the memory is reactivated and processed in a healthy way, so it no longer stands in your way. It is a powerful and quick method for releasing trauma and moving forward with your life.