EMDR operates on the premise that we all have innate capacities with which to heal ourselves, but these abilities get derailed after exposure to trauma.
The cause for this derailment has nothing to do with personal or emotional weakness; rather, the makeup of the human brain is responsible. In times of trauma we tend to lose touch with its reasoning, reflective, integrating functions and find ourselves overwhelmed. Earlier thought processes become activated and compromise the ability to negotiate fears and beliefs rationally. Often sequelae of trauma have no apparent connection to the actual event, making it difficult to target in more traditional therapies.
EMDR treatment begins with a review of your personal and medical history, presenting issues, and expectations of treatment. Desensitization does not begin until preliminary work is done to ensure the work will be safe and nontraumatic. EMDR is not for everyone. For some, it takes a longer time to prepare for EMDR; for others, it may never be appropriate.
EMDR utilizes visualization and bilateral stimulation (eye movement, bilateral tapping, bilateral sound) to reestablish communication among memory networks. Unlike hynosis, the client is fully conscious while receiving EMDR.
Typically, the client is asked to create a mental picture of an event related to the presenting issue, along with feelings, sensations, and beliefs associated with it. Bilateral stimulation accelerates the processing of information and allows for integration of what is understood intellectually with what is actually believed. Upon completion, clients often feel a sense of having resolved long-standing conflicts between intellectual understanding and felt reality.
EMDR is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. The therapist does not make interpretations or assign meaning, but follows the client's progress, facilitating his or her natural inclination for self-cure.
