What Does EMDR Stand For?

An acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy that aids a person in healing from traumatic experiences and/or distressing memories. The treatment was initially conceptualized by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, and it later became a rather prominent approach toward PTSD and is now being widely used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain.

What is EMDR? How Does It Actually Work?

EMDR, at its simplest, aids the brain in reprocessing traumatic memories so that they do not exact such an emotional toll on the individual. A client in psychotherapy is exposed to a memory—almost always traumatic or triggering—while the therapist provides bilateral stimulation, usually eye movements, tapping, or tones.

The dual attention causes your brain to process stuck memories in a way that diminishes their emotional impact. If carried out for a period, the traumatic memories that have been harassed for days or even years are diminished in the power of affecting one's emotions, whilst positive thoughts start dictating their reactions to the self. EMDR functions in conjoint with the body's natural healing processes. In the case of physical injury, time heals.

Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions in the Field of EMDR

Some very famous myths never seem to disappear:

•"Just eye movements." Though eye movements have their importance, EMDR is a very structured therapy consisting of eight phases.

 "You’ll forget your trauma." The memories under EMDR do not get erased; what changes is the way you emotionally react to those memories.

"It only works for PTSD." EMDR is beneficial in treating a myriad of issues-anxiety, depression, and performance anxiety, to name a few.

-"It works instantly." Some relief can be felt moments into the first few sessions; however, the lasting transformation requires a commitment from the client and time.

Once these misconceptions are addressed, many souls could really benefit from recognizing what EMDR can accomplish for their healing efforts.

What Are the 8 Stages of EMDR?

EMDR clearly does not have a generic approach. It follows a specific procedure through an eight-phase process:

1.History Taking: Your therapist collects information regarding your past and current difficulties to plan the treatment.

2. Preparation: You will be taught coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques to help navigate through possible distress during sessions.

3. Assessment: Recognize the memories and negative beliefs that are going to become the treatment’s target.

4. Desensitization: Memories are retrieved with bilateral stimulation to reduce the distress caused by them.

5.Installation: Positive beliefs that replace the negative ones associated with the memory are strengthened.

6.Body Scan: The mind looks for any remaining physical tension or discomfort linked to the memory.

7. Closure: Regardless of whether the memory has been fully processed in the session, closure of the session occurs in some way that leaves the client calm and grounded.

8. Reevaluation: Assessing progress and deciding upon future targets.

Each phase plays a vital role in helping you achieve profound and lasting change.

How Long Does EMDR Take?

The duration of EMDR therapy is highly subjective and individualized. Some clients may begin experiencing relief in as few as 6-12 sessions, especially for a single-trauma event. On the other hand, issues researched by multiple traumas or heavy-root emotions on treatment may need longer treatment.

Most importantly, EMDR works at your pace, respecting your unique story and your emotional capacity to feel safe and supported during the process.

The Embodied Integration Approach to EMDR

At Embodied Integrations, we take a holistic and body-centered approach to EMDR therapy. Our view of healing is that it's not just about your mind but your whole being. Our method of embodied integration empowers you to connect with your brain, body, and emotions in a deep and meaningful way, thereby encouraging profound and enduring changes.

By marrying EMDR with mindfulness, somatics, and nervous system regulation, we foster an experience where you not only have the ability to work through trauma from the past but are able to shore up your inner strength as well. The integrated approach enriches and sustains your healing journey.

Is EMDR Right for Me?

If you struggle with anxiety, traumatic memories, low self-esteem, or emotional triggers that steal away your life, EMDR could be one powerful thing. Adults and teens can receive the therapy themselves, while children must be with a trained therapist for guidance.

And yet, similar to other types of therapies, this could indeed be either right or wrong for your personal case. A thorough consultation will help identify if it is suitable for you could confirm whether it realizes your needs or goals.

Here at Embodied Integrations, we are ready to support you through every step of your healing journey. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment in which you can now begin to experience EMDR therapy and feel the difference it makes in your life.

Start your healing journey right here.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today!

Make the first step towards healing and transformation. Contact us for a free consultation for more information about how EMDR therapy can assist you in reconnecting with your whole self---mind, body, and heart.