Trauma & EMDR

When people think of trauma, they usually think of “big T traumas,” those experiences that meet the criteria of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including war experiences, natural disasters, rape, and severe car accidents, just to name a few. However, less commonly talked about are “little t traumas,” which result from things that build over time, such as ongoing emotional abuse and neglect, experiences of shame, humiliation, being bullied, left out, or ridiculed. In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro realized that, under certain conditions, eye movements reduce intense, disturbing emotions. Since that time, EMDR evolved as a treatment for trauma (big T and little t traumas).

Studies show EMDR also works for people experiencing depression, anxiety, phobias, stress, complicated grief, panic attacks, eating disorders, pain disorders, physical and sexual abuse, and more. During trauma, our “fight or flight,” information is processed differently than in calm moments. During a traumatic experience, the body shuts down specific systems and redirects blood flow to large muscles in the body. Brain functions also operate differently. It is as if time slows down, allowing the person to take in more information, including details that might save their life. 

One result of this, however, is that pieces of memory do not integrate as neatly as during calm moments. Memory fragments are stored in different parts of the brain and body and can include any of the senses: sights, sounds, smells, touch, or taste. When that memory fragment is accessed, or “stumbled upon,” it can trigger the original trauma, resulting in a re-experiencing of the same feelings. EMDR works by moving these dysfunctional memory fragments resulting in more functional information or memory integration. Think of it as a train, and the memory fragment is blocking the track. Once the track is clear, the passenger can safely reach the final destination. EMDR can result in the memories of the event becoming less intense, the “image” becoming less vivid, and the resolution of disturbing emotions. People who complete EMDR therapy report fewer (or no) trauma-related nightmares, better quality sleep, an increase in self-esteem, less anxiety and depression, and better relationships.  

When utilizing EMDR, I complete a full assessment of your strengths and identify the areas that need improvement. With this information, set a course for treatment. I use practical exercises and directives in session, as well as weekly assignments to work on between sessions. I believe that the clients should have a clear sense of the direction of their therapy. I keep a close eye on where you are in terms of goal accomplishment so that treatment has a course, and there is an endpoint in mind from the very beginning. 

While extremely effective, EMDR is not for everyone. Contact me to determine if EMDR is a good fit for you. For more information, go to www.emdr.com or listen to Francine Shapiro describes EMDR therapy in this one-hour webinar.