What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
When we have a negative experience, our brain makes special note of it. This is so the brain can recall the memory quickly to avoid winding up in a similar situation. However, this may cause the experience to get “stuck” in our short-term memory. It creates ongoing and unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stemming from the triggering event, even if it happened years in the past. EMDR resolves this by helping the memory become "unstuck" so the brain can fully process it into the long-term memory.
How does it work?
Experiences are converted from short-term memories into long-term memories during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. If you’ve ever noticed a sleeping person’s eyes moving, they were in this stage. During an EMDR session, a trained clinician simulates REM by guiding participants’ eye movements. This is done while a targeted negative experience is recalled, which helps processes it into the long-term memory. Participants remain awake during the entire process and are fully in control.
What happens during EMDR?
Experiences are converted from short-term memories into long-term memories during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. If you’ve ever noticed a sleeping person’s eyes moving, they were in this stage. During an EMDR session, a trained clinician simulates REM by guiding participants’ eye movements. This is done while a targeted negative experience is recalled, which helps processes it into the long-term memory. Participants remain awake during the entire process and are fully in control.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER A SESSION OF EMDR?
EMDR requires digging deep into memories, as well as the feelings attached to them. This may leave participants temporarily fatigued. However, many people report being energized by the insights and relief they gain as they progress.