Using the Eyes to Heal the Mind ~ Explaining EMDR

EMDR as a form of therapy has become more popular in the last 10 years. People continue to hear more about it and still have questions. The idea of moving your eyes to heal your mind is a little wild but it truly works. The research is clear and people do heal from terrible experiences through the application of the protocol. I am regularly asked what EMDR is and how it works. I find it fascinating and do my best to attempt to explain it in a way that shows the power of this method and the benefits. Let's go over the basics of EMDR and how it could help you.

What does EMDR mean?

EMDR means Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. The original name was EMD (Eye Movement Desensitization) until the founder, Francine Shapiro, discovered that the brain was able to reprocess the meaning of the traumatic experience in addition to removing the distress. It now goes by EMDR.

How Do the Eyes Heal the Mind?

It's not necessarily the eyes or looking at any one specific thing that initiates the healing. The real source of starting EMDR healing is by bringing a specifically identified memory to mind and then using some form of stimulation that moves the brain to work left to right. The sensation of going left to right is known as bi-lateral since it engages both hemispheres of the brain. The most common form of bi-lateral stimulation in EMDR is having the eyes follow a signal, fingers, or light from left to right. This is similar to how our eyes dart back and forth in REM sleep. For those that have eye strain or some discomfort due to glasses, contacts or some physical condition, alternative forms of bi-lateral stimulation include tapping on shoulders or knees or using buzzers in the hands. Any form of used stimulation will go left to right and back again.

Who Can Do EMDR?

EMDR is conducted by a trained professional in the field of psychology, usually a masters or doctorate level licensed provider. The practitioner has done a 50 hours of coursework with supervised consultation in order to offer the method to a client.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR is done through a trained professional and includes 8 phases that can take approximately 12 weeks for full completion (assuming the use of a standard 90 minute session that is common in EMDR). A trained therapist will start with a few surveys to ensure that a client is able to benefit from EMDR and rule out any reasons that would prohibit a client from benefitting from the method.

Through a series of questions, the therapist will collaborate with the client to identify a specific memory to use as the "target" memory. Many clients know what trauma they want to target but some are unaware or unsure. The questions help reveal the best place to start.

The therapist will ask the client to bring that moment to mind and recognize any emotions or physical sensations that accompany the memory. Next, they will pinpoint a negative belief that resulted and has continued to influence the clients sense of self and select a desired alternative positive belief. Once these elements are identified, the therapist can begin to initiate the bi-lateral stimulation through left to right movement or sensations.

The experience of the brain going back and forth begins to dislodge the stuck or unprocessed memory and corresponding emotions. The process often helps to reprocess any similar memories or material connected to the target. As you engage in the method, you get the benefit of clearing our and processing more than just the first identified memory (hello, more healing!). The process can evoke some strong emotions, tears, or new revelations. The brain begins to adapt to more rational and reasonable beliefs about self and others and demonstrates healing through how the thoughts shift regarding the original trauma. The therapist begins to hear the client reporting more positive or neutral comments regarding the memory.

Once it appears that the distress related to memory has resolved, the next step is to enhance the new positive belief and address any lingering physical tension. The body will often continue to hold onto tension or stress even if the brain believes the memory is resolved. The client will mentally scan the body for any sense of tension and report it to the therapist. The therapist asks the client to focus on the tension and will start the eye movements once more. The client will experience a final release with additional bi-lateral stimulation applied to that area with the body in focus. The body and the mind are now released from the distress.

In the final phase, the therapist will ask the client to imagine a new and desirable response to any present triggers and create a vision for a new way to respond. Even if we resolve the past, we want a different blueprint for the future. The client describes what they would like to see and feel in future moments. the therapist supports the brain adopting this new approach with additional eye movements.

This is EMDR in a simple explanation. There are many nuances and steps that ensure the method creates lasting change.

Can EMDR Be Used on Children?

Yes! EMDR can be applied to young children and adults. The approach is slightly different with children due to their insight and attention span. Therapists may use puppets, keep the parent in the room, or keep the session shorter. The good news is that it still produces change and can work even faster for children.

How Can I Know if I am a Good Candidate?

EMDR can help with a variety of disorders and bring healing to the following:

• Anxiety & Panic

• Addiction

• Attachment Issues

• Grief

• Trauma/PTSD

• Strong Emotional Responses

• Fears

• Phobias

• Depression

• Psychological reactions to illness

• Couples

A therapist can consult with you and discuss if EMDR can help to reduce your stressors and symptoms. Clients with strong dissociation tendencies may need more support before starting the protocol or may not benefit until treated with medication.

Reach out if you have any questions about EMDR.

Be well and believe!

~ Ashley

For more information, check out the EMDR Institute (created by the founder of EMDR, Francine Shapiro): https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/#layperson