Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, created in the late 1980s, has become a prominent tool in the treatment of trauma. This therapy provides a framework to assist people in processing traumatic memories. A more profound comprehension of what happens during an EMDR session can help demystify the practice and offer a clearer idea of what one might expect to gain from the experience.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is intended to help people reprocess traumatic memories. It has eight stages, each targeting a different purpose. The idea is to convert negative feelings tied to previous experiences into more emotionally manageable and positive ones. It is a potent form of therapy for dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety-related issues. Exploring EMDR therapy in Modesto could be beneficial for processing traumatic experiences.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Phase Planning
The first step is collecting information regarding the personality history and current symptoms. The therapist collaborates with the individual to pinpoint troublesome memories and create a detailed treatment plan. This stage serves as the foundation for the subsequent sessions, fostering an environment of trust and acceptance.
Phase 2: Preparation
The therapist educates the individual about EMDR and its techniques. This stage makes everyone feel at ease or knowledgeable. During this phase, we introduce stress reduction techniques that we can use during the therapy whenever emotional discomfort arises.
Phase 3: Assessment
Assessment is pinpointing exact memories you’ll be addressing in your session. The clinician then asks the person to bring forth a troubling memory and its negative beliefs. Part of this phase is to rate how disruptive the memory in question is, which enables you to notice improvements as time passes.
Phase 4: Desensitization
A key factor in EMDR therapy is the process of desensitization. In this technique, a therapist directs the person to perform eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This enables the traumatic memory to be processed by the brain so that it loses its potency as a distressing stimulus.
Phase 5: Installation
As the distress connected to the memory subsides, the therapist works on strengthening positive beliefs. This phase builds and amplifies positive links associated with the memory. The goal is to replace negative thoughts with either positive energy or constructive thoughts, helping to gain higher self-esteem and more confidence.
Phase 6: Body Scan
If there is any connection in the body, the body scan phase will help identify it. The therapist guides the person to meditate on various segments of the body to address symptoms of stress or anxiety, such as overeating. Focusing on these feelings helps to ensure the memory is processed mentally and physically.
Phase 7: Closure
This stage is essential in helping the client exit the session feeling grounded and secure. In this phase, the therapist utilizes the techniques and strategies discussed in the preparation phase to help the person return to calm. It can involve relaxation or grounding exercises to help with emotional regulation.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Re-evaluating also happens at the start of the next class. The therapist and the individual divide the process into two sessions, focusing on the individual’s progress and evaluating the processing of memories. This stage determines whether more meetings are required or if different memories should be worked on.
Potential Benefits of EMDR Therapy
There are many reasons EMDR therapy can be beneficial. A large number of people stated that their trauma-related symptoms, like anxiety and depression, decreased. The treatment structure has made it simple for people to come forward and work toward healing.
EMDR also tends to be an empowering modality. Changing harmful beliefs into positive ones usually leads to self-esteem and resilience. Time Safety Therapy heals past trauma and gives tools for the future.
Conclusion
What are EMDR therapy sessions like? EMDR therapy is conducted in a structured environment where each session is dedicated to processing a traumatic memory in a safe space. These phases directly help you heal. The bottom line: Knowing what an EMDR session looks like instills some confidence in clients that with every EMDR session, they are indeed heading in the right direction to heal and grow.
