EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
HOW TRAUMA WORKS IN THE MINDThe mind is constantly working to manage experiences, process them, and store them properly in the brain. However, when a person experiences something out of the ordinary or is repeatedly exposed to a stressor, the brain may struggle to process and store the information correctly. This can overload the natural coping mechanisms, leaving the experience unprocessed and frozen in the brain. As a result, the part of the brain that controls the fight, flight, or freeze response (the limbic system) is activated. This part of the brain is home to our most complex emotions such as anger and love.
The traumatic memory remains in a raw and emotionally suspended state, and can easily be triggered by experiences that are similar to the trauma. As time goes on, the memory may fade, but the emotional distress associated with it does not disappear. This mental unrest can make it challenging to think, process information, live in the present moment, and learn from new experiences. |
With repeated sets of eye movements, clients process the experience in a way that creates some peaceful resolution, which is the desensitization portion of EMDR. With the help of a therapist, who works as a guide in the process, the perception of the experience can change so that the experience can finally be stored appropriately in the cerebral cortex, the reprocessing of EMDR. The limbic system is soothed, and the memory becomes just a memory without the raw emotional sensations. Essentially, the memory is neutralized and loses its painful intensity. While the memory is reprocessed, other associated memories may heal simultaneously.
Resources are created before the tracking of the light begins to help calm you should you feel overwhelmed in the process. We can stop and use these resources and start again when you feel ready. You are in charge and are encouraged to advocate for yourself in the process. |