Joyce E Smith, MA, LMFT * 323 333-4462 * PTSD & Trauma Specialist
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What is EMDR?
(Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
www.emdria.org
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (phew!) or EMDR, is a process that uses bilateral (alternating left and right sides of the body) stimulation to forge a connection between the emotional and rational sides of our brain. (Click here for more information on the Neurobiology of Trauma.)
EMDR is a technique developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist and researcher. Righ after being diagnosed with breast cancer had gone for a walk. As she was walking, she noticed her anxiety and disturbing thoughts were diminishing as her eyes shifted back and forth on the ground. She recognized that this could have therapeutic value. She replicated the sensation she had on her walk with her clients by having the client eyes follow her fingers, back and forth, left to right. While her client’s eyes were moving, she would ask them to hold in both mind and body an awareness of a disturbing event. This process proved to be effective in reducing and often eliminating emotional and physical activation to previously disturbing thoughts. Studies have shown EMDR to be one of the most effective methods in healing Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).
The moment of trauma can be overwhelming. Our brain struggles to comprehend it rationally. Until we are able to make sense out of what has happened, we become unable to move beyond the experience and continue feeling anxious and reacting to anything related to the original incident. Once our brains are able to make sense out of what has occurred, it moves from the category of “to be dealt with later”, to “ah, now it makes sense!” Over a series of sessions, the original reactivity can diminish dramatically.
Over the last several years, it has been discovered that any type of bilateral motion (left to right, back and forth) can be just as effective. This can be accomplished by using any combination of lights, tapping, sounds or vibrating pulsers which are held in your hands. While the bilateral stimulation is occurring, our minds free associate - much like the REM state when we are dreaming. With the assistance of a trained EMDR therapist, we give our brain a chance to connect the dots, so to speak. As we finally make sense out of the traumatic event (be it through a process of viewing it through a different lens, or discovering seemingly unrelated events our mind has hooked together, etc.) we can then leave it (and the reactivity to it) behind in the past where it belongs.
The process of healing in the way is truly a collaborative effort between client and therapist. When working with my clients I always let them take the lead, while I am one step behind, gently supporting them through the EMDR process. Unlike traditional kinds of talk therapy, when doing this kind of work it is not necessary to discuss all the details of the trauma, which can often be re-traumatizing. It is of utmost importance to me to keep my clients in their resilient zone where they feel in control.
Call 323 333-4462
Complimentary initial 20 minute phone consultation
JoyceESmithMFT@gmail.com
Complimentary initial 20 minute phone consultation
JoyceESmithMFT@gmail.com