Have you ever heard of something called EMDR therapy? It might sound like a big, fancy acronym but it's actually a way to help people who are dealing with present day symptoms that might be related to experiences in the past. Below we'll explore a little more about EMDR.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. 

Wow, that's a mouthful, right? Below we break it down into smaller pieces to understand it better.

First off, let's talk about what happens during EMDR therapy.

Have you heard the term “The Body Keeps the Score”? This term is used to describe the how our nervous system (body) stores every experience we’ve ever had. We think about therapy often for our mind but our mind is only one part of our nervous system. We have a whole body that stores information. The information stored can include memories, thoughts, feeling, sensations, patterns of protecting ourselves, etc. Sometimes this information gets stuck and we need help digesting it- that’s what EMDR helps with.

Now, let’s use an analogy. Imagine you have a backpack full of rocks some are heavy rocks, and others are light and shiney. These heavy rocks represent all the tough stuff you've been through that’s stored in your body, like scary memories or sad feelings. EMDR therapy helps you unpack the heavy rocks and sort through them, so they don't feel stuck in the same patterns anymore.

Now, let's break down the big words: 

Eye Movement: 

During EMDR therapy, you might move your eyes back and forth while thinking about the tough stuff. Eye Movements are a kind of bilateral stimulation which just means moving from one side to the other. There are lots of ways to generate side to side movement of the eyes. You can look at dots on a screen, listen to different sounds, color with a crayon or marker in one hand and then the other, move your feet and arms one at a time, and many other options. This side to side stimulation helps your body digest information in a different way.

Desensitization: 

This means making something less sensitive or less upsetting. EMDR helps you become less scared or upset about the tough stuff you've been through or the things that scare you now or in the future.

Reprocessing:

Imagine taking an old picture and making it look brighter and clearer. That's what reprocessing does to your memories during EMDR therapy. It helps you see things in a new light or to widen your perspective.

So, why might someone try EMDR therapy? 
Well, sometimes when we go through hard times, like a scary event,  losing someone we love, or just growing up in families and systems that are dysfunctional our brains can get stuck on those memories and patterns. We don’t know it consciously but unconsciously, our brain and body keeps hitting the replay button on a sad or scary movie over and over again. 

EMDR therapy helps hit the pause button on those sad or scary replays and helps you feel better. 

EMDR therapy isn't just about talking. You don’t have to talk or relive all the old, bad stuff. The little bilateral actions we discussed above help your your body to do what it needs to do to heal. You don’t have to yell at a cut to heal, the same way you don’t have to talk through all the tough memories for them to feel less sad or scary.

Now, you might be wondering, "Does EMDR therapy really work?" Well, lots of people say it does, including lots of studies and clinical research! Just like going to the doctor when you're sick, EMDR therapy is like a doctor's visit for your feelings, sensations, behaviors, and patterns you want to change. Over time, it can help you feel better and stronger inside.

EMDR can be different for everyone so we recommend talking with an EMDR therapist to learn more.

You can also read more about EMDR at https://www.emdria.org/.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Connect with us through our website at https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.