EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as with most therapy approaches, focuses on the individual’s present concerns. However, rather than just talking about it, EMDR uses eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns. As a result, we feel better, not just think we are better! (EMDRConsulting, 2024)

Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.

EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.

Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes. (EMDR Institute Inc., 2024) 

• EMDR’s focus is on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, modify, and adapt.
  • This adaptive emotional learning is referred to as “Adaptive Information Processing” (AIP).
  • Adaptive learning is constantly updating memory network systems, keeping what is important from past experiences and letting go of no longer necessary information.
• Disturbing events are often emotionally charged in a way that prevents adaptive learning. These past emotionally charged events become isolated from more positive, adaptive experiences. When activated in the present, these negatively charged feelings and emotions distort our current perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.   When our partner criticizes us, while we may know we are worthwhile, these negative emotions and sensations cause us to feel worthless.
• EMDR treatment identifies these negative and positive networks and then uses bilateral stimulation, i.e., eye movements, alternative tapping, etc. as the catalyst to activate our adaptive learning system. The result is a consolidated memory network that keeps what is healthy, and lets go of past, no longer useful emotions, sensations, and beliefs. As a result, we not only know with are worthwhile, we feel it, too! (EMDRConsulting, 2024)

• EMDR’s focus is on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, modify, and adapt.
  • This adaptive emotional learning is referred to as “Adaptive Information Processing” (AIP).
  • Adaptive learning is constantly updating memory network systems, keeping what is important from past experiences and letting go of no longer necessary information.
• Disturbing events are often emotionally charged in a way that prevents adaptive learning. These past emotionally charged events become isolated from more positive, adaptive experiences. When activated in the present, these negatively charged feelings and emotions distort our current perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.   When our partner criticizes us, while we may know we are worthwhile, these negative emotions and sensations cause us to feel worthless.
• EMDR treatment identifies these negative and positive networks and then uses bilateral stimulation, i.e., eye movements, alternative tapping, etc. as the catalyst to activate our adaptive learning system. The result is a consolidated memory network that keeps what is healthy, and lets go of past, no longer useful emotions, sensations, and beliefs. As a result, we not only know with are worthwhile, we feel it, too! (EMDR Consulting, 2024)

Sources:

1)  EMDRConsulting, 2024, https://emdrconsulting.com/about/what-is-emdr/

2)  EMDR Institute, Inc., 2024, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/#layperson

No, full disclosure of the experience is not necessary for the experience to be processed.

Yes – emotions and sensations may come up during processing, although the client will be prepared and safely managed by the clinician during processing.

No, during EMDR processing, the client is present and fully in control of the experience.

EMDR therapy , as with all treatment approaches, will help clients accomplish their treatment goals.

• The length of time that it takes is dependent upon the client’s complexity.
• Frequently EMDR therapy is only one of several treatment interventions used to accomplish the client’s treatment goals. (EMDRConsulting, 2024)

(Source: EMDRConsulting, 2024, https://emdrconsulting.com/about/what-is-emdr/)