EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment that has been used effectively for over 30 years for the treatment of trauma and other mental health issues. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that is helpful in processing disturbing life experiences which continue to affect day-to-day functioning. It helps people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that can arise following these difficult life experiences. EMDR is best known and was initially named for the eye movements that are part of the procedures, however this is only one part of the component of this approach. How EMDR Works At the core of EMDR…
Understanding EMDR: Healing Trauma Through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- November 9, 2024
EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment that has been used effectively for over 30 years for the treatment of trauma and other mental health issues. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that is helpful in processing disturbing life experiences which continue to affect day-to-day functioning. It helps people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that can arise following these difficult life experiences.
EMDR is best known and was initially named for the eye movements that are part of the procedures, however this is only one part of the component of this approach.
How EMDR Works
At the core of EMDR is the understanding of how trauma memories are stored within the brain. Traumatic incidents or adverse childhood experiences are stored differently in the brain than non-traumatic experiences. Traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process information. When a traumatic event occurs, the intense emotions, sensations (images, sounds, smells, tastes), body sensations, and beliefs that are associated with the experience can become “stuck” in the brain, particularly within the limbic system, which includes the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for the emotional reactions and memory formation related to fear and stress.
The Impact of Unprocessed Trauma Memories
When trauma memories are unprocessed, they remain stored in the brain in a way that keeps them as vivid and distressing as when the trauma first occurred. The emotions, thoughts and sensory perspectives, which were appropriate at the time of the trauma, can be triggered throughout the person’s life at times when trauma is not present. These unprocessed memories can lead to a range of symptoms and difficulties, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety and hypervigilance
- Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares and sleep difficulties
- Emotional numbness and avoidance behaviours
- Difficulties in relationships and daily functioning
- Chronic pain
How EMDR helps
EMDR facilitates the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed and integrated into the broader memory network. EMDR helps by reprocessing (revisiting and relearning) earlier life incidents that have contributed to their present day symptoms. This reprocessing enables the individual to perceive the traumatic memory in a new way, diminishing its emotional impact and reducing the symptoms associated with it. Over time, this process helps individuals gain relief from the distressing effects of trauma, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.
What can EMDR therapy help with?
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- History of physical, emotional abuse and neglect
- Childhood trauma
- Exposure to violence
EMDR is recognised as an effective trauma treatment and recommended worldwide in the practice guidelines of both domestic and international organizations, including the World Health Organisation, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, EMDR may offer a path to healing. Consult with a qualified EMDR therapist to explore this transformative approach to recovery.
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