Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), takes the approach that past emotionally-charged experiences are overly influencing your present emotions, sensations, and thoughts about yourself. EMDR processing helps you break through the emotional blocks that are keeping you from living an adaptive, emotionally healthy life.
The use of rapid sets of eye movements helps you update disturbing experiences, much like what occurs in REM when we sleep. This pattern helps you process things that are troubling you.
EMDR replicates this sleep pattern by alternating between sets of eye movements and brief reports about what you are noticing. This alternating process helps you update your memories to a healthier present perspective.
EMDR Therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment for traumatic memories.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment for traumatic memories.
EMDR is different than “talk therapy” that often requires a client to retell the story and details of what happened to them. Whereas, EMDR is non-invasive and your therapist does not need the details of the traumatic event(s).
Clients generally experience rapid reductions of distress levels early in the session/treatment.
EMDR Therapy helps to integrate three types of information – thinking, feeling and sensing (in the body).
How does Bilateral stimulation process happen? Therapists have clients move from the right and left side of the brain through following a light bar, or butterfly tapping. This helps the nervous system to remain calm even though the memory is painful.This dual focus helps the client to remember but not relive the trauma.
The result of treatment with EMDR is a decrease in emotional distress, a reformulation of negative beliefs into positive, life-affirming beliefs, and a re-setting of the nervous system. In short, EMDR reduces or resolves traumatic memories and enhances resilience.
EMDR is not hypnosis nor does it require homework.
Common Symptoms of PTS(D), Military Sexual Trauma, Adverse Life Events, and Trauma
Difficulty being in public places/crowds
Involvement in high-risk behaviors
Avoiding community activities
Marital/Family Issues
High desire to control or protect
Survivor’s guilt
Chronic pain, headaches, medically unexplained symptoms
Thoughts of ‘I don’t deserve to get help’
Depression, sadness, isolation
Avoiding situations that remind them of traumatic event(s)
Difficulty functioning in daily life
Exaggerated startle response, feeling on edge
Flashbacks/nightmares that relive the traumatic event(s)
Anger/Difficulty controlling aggressive impulses
Sense of numbness of feelings in life
Shame, guilt, intense worry/anxiety
Addictive behaviors
Learn about how EMDR therapy works, what it is like, and how widely it is recognized. EMDR therapists discuss how EMDR therapy works and the feedback they receive from clients. This video from 2019 lists membership numbers and titles at the time of publication.
Symptom list from: www.emdria.org
EMDR Therapy Videos
KSTP 5 News - EMDR Therapy
Each one of these Minnesotan’s are a believer in EMDR Therapy. The Threat maybe over, but the struggle to heal is not. But it is a battle that can be won with EMDR Therapy.
Prince Harry Explains EMDR
In his Apple TV+ show, “The Me You Can’t See,” the prince invited the world into his private EMDR therapy session, which is typically recommended to patients who experienced trauma.
Why EMDR?
The result of treatment with EMDR is a decrease in emotional distress, a reformulation of negative beliefs into positive, life-affirming beliefs, and a re-setting of the nervous system. In short, EMDR reduces or resolves traumatic memories and enhances resilience. We inspire lifelong change for Minnesota Veterans, Service Members and Spouses experiencing Trauma and PTS(D), by creating access to effective therapy as a pathway to heal.
Integrates
EMDR Therapy helps to integrate three types of information: thinking, feeling and sensing (in the body).
Different from ‘Talk Therapy’
EMDR is different than “talk therapy” and does not requires a client to retell the details of what happened to them.
Reductions of Distress
Clients generally experience rapid reductions of distress levels early in the session/treatment.
Common Questions
-
No, it is not necessary to talk about all the details of your experiences for them to be processed.
-
You may. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing; although, you will be prepared and your therapist will help you safely manage them.
-
No. During EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.No. During EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.
-
The length of time that it takes is dependent upon the complexity of your problems. Frequently, EMDR is only one of several treatment approaches that will be used to help you reach your treatment goals.
What is Different About EMDR?
EMDR focuses on the brain's ability to constantly learn, taking past experiences and updating them with present information.
Past emotionally-charged experiences often interfere with your updating process. EMDR breaks through that interference and helps let go of the past and update your experiences to a healthier present perspective.
EMDR uses a set of procedures to organize negative and positive feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and then uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternating tapping, as the way to help you effectively work through disturbing memories.
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones
The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
If you, or someone you know is in crisis or emotional distress dial 988 and Press 1 for Veterans or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and
Press 1.
The Veterans Crisis Line is also available by chat and text (838255).
Healing is possible.
Providing Free Effective EMDR therapy
For all Minnesota Veterans, not dependent on discharge status, Service Members, and Spouses.
Effective Treatment for trauma & PTSD
12 EMDR Therapy Sessions at NO COST (additional sessions available)
In-Person or Telehealth options
Statewide Network of highly qualified EMDR Therapists in MN
All therapists are extensively trained in Trauma and EMDR)
Therapists are all trained through VRP on understanding military culture and supporting Veterans.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.