What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapeutic approach that offers hope and healing for individuals who have experienced trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. At Hearthstone Counselling, we are proud to offer EMDR therapy as a part of our comprehensive services to support our clients on their healing journey.

So, what exactly is EMDR?

Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that uses a three-pronged approach to help individuals process and heal from distressing experiences. The three prongs include: 1) past memories, 2) present triggers, and 3) future templates. By addressing these aspects, EMDR aims to provide comprehensive healing that can lead to lasting positive change.

At its core, EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and integrate distressing memories or experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, to stimulate both sides of the brain, which facilitates the natural healing process of the brain

Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP)

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, suggests that the brain has a natural capacity to heal itself when given the right conditions. However, sometimes traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural healing process, leading to distressing symptoms. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess and integrate traumatic memories, allowing for resolution and healing. In other words, the foundation of EMDR suggests that our brains are designed to naturally process and integrate difficult experiences. However, sometimes these experiences can get “stuck” and continue to impact our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors long after the event has occurred. EMDR helps to unblock and reprocess these stuck memories, allowing them to be integrated in a healthier way.

8-Phase Model

The EMDR process typically involves eight phases, each with its unique purpose and tailored to each individual’s needs.

These phases include: 1) History taking and assessment, 2) Preparation, 3) Assessment and desensitization, 4) Installation, 5) Body scan, 6) Closure, 7) Reevaluation, and 8) Integration. Through these phases, EMDR aims to identify and target specific memories or experiences that are contributing to distress and help individuals process and integrate these memories in a safe and supportive environment.

Here’s a closer look at the eight phases of EMDR therapy:

1. History-taking: In the first phase, your EMDR therapist will gather your personal and medical history to better understand your unique background and identify any specific memories or experiences that may be contributing to your current challenges.
2. Preparation: In this phase, your therapist will work with you to establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. You’ll learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage any distress that may arise during the EMDR process. This phase is crucial to ensure that you feel emotionally prepared and supported throughout the therapy. Importantly, sometimes this phase can take the longest amount of time but it is important you feel prepared to move on to the next phases.
3. Assessment: During this phase, you and your therapist will identify the specific target memories or experiences that you want to process with EMDR. You’ll explore the associated emotions, sensations, and beliefs, and rate the level of distress associated with each memory.
4. Desensitization: This phase is the heart of EMDR therapy. Your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation, which may involve following their fingers with your eyes, listening to sounds, or feeling taps on your body. The bilateral stimulation helps to activate both sides of your brain, allowing the distressing memories to be processed and integrated in a new and adaptive way.
5. Installation: In this phase, positive beliefs and emotions are reinforced to replace the negative ones associated with the target memories. Your therapist will work with you to identify and strengthen positive beliefs about yourself and the world around you, helping you to shift from a negative to a more positive perspective.
6. Body Scan: This phase involves paying attention to any residual physical sensations that may still be associated with the target memories. Your therapist will guide you in noticing and processing any remaining sensations in your body, facilitating the release of any lingering tension or discomfort.
7. Closure: After each EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through a closing process to ensure that you feel stable and grounded. This may include relaxation techniques and self-soothing strategies to help you feel calm and centered as you leave the session.
8. Reevaluation: In the final phase, you and your therapist will review the progress you’ve made and evaluate the effectiveness of the EMDR therapy. You’ll assess any remaining distress and identify any additional target memories that may need further processing.

The combination of these eight phases in EMDR therapy allows for a comprehensive and structured approach to processing and integrating distressing memories or experiences. The therapist’s guidance and support throughout the process ensure that you feel safe, supported, and empowered as you work towards resolution and healing.

Who is this therapy for?

EMDR is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including adults, adolescents, and children. EMDR has been found to be particularly effective in treating trauma, including single incident trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD. It can be helpful for those who have experienced a traumatic event, individuals struggling with anxiety or depression, those with a history of adverse childhood experiences, and anyone seeking to resolve distressing memories or experiences that are affecting their well-being. Additionally, EMDR has been found helpful for those struggling with negative beliefs, self-talk and athletic and creative performance issues.

EMDR has been found to be helpful for expanding the window of tolerance – the ability to cope with stressors and triggers in a healthy way. EMDR helps individuals to process the emotions, sensations, and beliefs associated with these issues, leading to resolution and relief.

What can I expect from this type of therapy?

In therapy, you can expect a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. Your EMDR therapist will work collaboratively with you to help you identify and process the specific memories or experiences that are causing distress. The bilateral stimulation, along with the guidance of the therapist, will assist you in reprocessing these memories in a safe and effective manner.

When seeking an EMDR therapist, it’s important to look for someone who is certified and properly trained in EMDR. A certified EMDR therapist has completed rigorous training and adheres to the standards and ethics of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). A well-trained EMDR therapist will have the skills and experience to guide you through the EMDR process with compassion, empathy, and expertise.

At Hearthstone Counselling, our EMDR therapists are certified and experienced in providing EMDR therapy to clients. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for you to process and heal from distressing memories or experiences. We offer a Free 20-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if EMDR is the right fit for you.

Please contact hello@hearthstonecounselling.com for more information or to connect with one of our trained EMDR therapists.