Welcome to Engage Wellness Acton’s EMDR Therapy page. Here, we’ll explain the eight treatment phases of EMDR therapy, its core components, and its benefits for those struggling to cope with traumatic experiences.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation and exposure to reduce a person’s reaction to traumatic memories. EMDR therapy is a form of treatment for trauma in which the therapist guides the participant to focus on a traumatic event while their eyes move in a specific rhythm. This bilateral stimulation helps to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain that stores trauma. As a result, EMDR therapy can help clients reprocess trauma and repair mental injury. In addition, this therapy also calms the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, leading to relaxation.
In general, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions are carried out until the participant does not experience any distress associated with the memory.
Core Components of EMDR Therapy
Therapeutic Tools – EMDR therapy incorporates multiple evidence-based therapeutic tools, which include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Talk therapy (Psychotherapy)
- Bilateral stimulation therapy
- Systematic desensitization therapy
- Mindfulness exercises
Structured Phases: EMDR therapy is structured in eight phases, each designed to slowly ease the individual into the negative memory and desensitize their response to it.
- Taking history
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
These eight phases are designed to span multiple sessions.
Bilateral Stimulation: Bilateral stimulation is a core component of EMDR therapy. It involves rapid and rhythmic eye movements designed to activate both sides of the brain, bringing the client from a state of fight-flight-or-freeze to rest and digest.
Brief Exposure: Clients in EMDR therapy sessions follow guided prompts to visualize the traumatic experience for 20 to 50 seconds. After repeated attempts using bilateral stimulation, they develop a reduced response to the memory.
Trauma Reprocessing: EMDR clients undergo a structured process to recall and reprocess traumatic memories while staying anchored in the present.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Development of Life Skills: The key benefit of EMDR therapy is that it allows for healing beyond the traumatic memory by helping individuals develop resilience, self-awareness, positive self-talk, and reframing skills.
Symptom Reduction: Clients enrolled in our EMDR therapy program experience a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, including flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, paranoia, and distress.
Empowerment: EMDR therapy teaches individuals that they can live happy lives despite traumatic experiences and setbacks. This empowers them to make positive changes that impact their present and future.
We believe that everyone deserves to live life to the fullest, and our EMDR program is designed to help achieve that goal. From personal growth to skills aimed at overcoming obstacles, this program offers an opportunity for those healing from traumatic events. Our EMDR program is led by qualified professionals who provide personalized care and support through each stage of treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with a distressing experience, contact us today to learn more.
We can help you live the life you deserve!
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