Trauma can have a profound impact on our lives, shaping how we think, feel, and act.
Whether it’s the result of a single traumatic event or repeated adverse experiences, the
effects can linger long after the event has passed. There are, however, therapeutic
approaches designed to help individuals heal from trauma and regain emotional balance.
One such approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what EMDR is, how it works, and why it’s become a popular
and highly effective treatment for trauma and other emotional difficulties. If you’ve been
struggling with past trauma or emotional wounds, understanding EMDR therapy may help
you decide if it’s the right choice for your healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to help individuals
process and heal from trauma. The therapy is based on the idea that trauma or distressing life
experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, preventing individuals from fully processing and moving
past them. When this occurs, these memories continue to trigger emotional pain, stress, and negative
behaviours.
EMDR aims to help the brain process and integrate these unresolved memories in a way that reduces
their emotional charge. This allows individuals to develop healthier responses to trauma-related thoughts,
feelings, and situations. EMDR is unique in that it combines elements of cognitive therapy with bilateral
stimulation, often in the form of guided eye movements, though it can also involve taps or sounds.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is typically delivered in a series of sessions. The process is structured and involves eight phases
designed to help individuals target and process traumatic memories. Here’s a brief overview of the steps
involved:
History-Taking and Assessment
In the first phase, the therapist works with the client to gather their history, identify specific traumatic
memories or emotional triggers, and assess the client’s overall emotional state. The goal is to understand
the individual’s trauma and determine which memories are most distressing.
Preparation
In this phase, the therapist helps the client establish a sense of safety and stability. This may involve
teaching relaxation techniques or coping strategies to manage intense emotions that may arise during
the therapy process.
Desensitization (Processing the Trauma)
The therapist guides the client to focus on a specific distressing memory while engaging in bilateral
stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds). The bilateral stimulation is thought to facilitate
the processing of the traumatic memory, helping to reduce its emotional intensity.
Installation (Strengthening Positive Beliefs)
As the client processes the traumatic memory, the therapist helps them replace negative beliefs or
perceptions (e.g., “I am powerless”) with more positive and adaptive beliefs (e.g., “I am in control” or “I am
safe”).
Body Scan
In this phase, the therapist guides the client through a “body scan,” encouraging them to identify and
release any physical tension or discomfort associated with the traumatic memory.
Closure
At the end of each session, the therapist ensures that the client feels grounded and safe. If processing has
been incomplete, the therapist will guide the client through relaxation techniques to bring them back to
a calm state.
Reevaluation
In subsequent sessions, the therapist reassesses the progress made in earlier sessions. They check
whether the traumatic memories have been fully processed and whether any new issues have emerged
that need attention.
Effective Treatment for PTSD and Trauma
EMDR is widely known as one of the most effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
and trauma-related issues. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD,
including flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. It helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories,
so they no longer feel overwhelming or disruptive to daily life.
Rapid Results
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take time to bring about meaningful change, EMDR has been
shown to produce results more quickly. Many clients report significant improvements after just a few
sessions, although the length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the trauma and individual
needs.
Works for a Variety of Issues Beyond PTSD
While EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma and PTSD, it has also been effective for other
emotional and psychological challenges, including:
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Grief and loss
Addictions
Phobias
Self-esteem issues
By processing distressing memories and the negative emotions tied to them, EMDR helps individuals
regain a sense of emotional balance and well-being.
No Need to Relive Traumatic Events in Detail
One of the significant advantages of EMDR is that it does not require clients to relive their traumatic
experiences in detail. Unlike some therapies that may involve recounting the trauma extensively, EMDR
focuses on processing the emotions and memories connected to the trauma without requiring in-depth
verbal descriptions. This can make the process less daunting for clients who may be hesitant to rehash
painful memories.
Holistic Approach to Healing
EMDR addresses trauma at multiple levels: cognitive, emotional, and physical. As part of the therapy
process, clients are encouraged to connect with their bodies and recognize any physical sensations
related to trauma. This holistic approach can help individuals achieve deeper healing.
Empowerment and Increased Resilience
As individuals process and heal from trauma, they often experience a newfound sense of empowerment
and resilience. EMDR helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with their traumatic memories,
allowing them to move forward in their lives with a greater sense of control and self-worth.
How EMDR Helps Clients Heal from Trauma
Trauma can leave a lasting imprint on the mind and body, leading to ongoing distress. EMDR helps
individuals heal from trauma by allowing them to process and “reprogram” these negative emotional
responses. Here’s how it works in practice:
Breaking the Cycle of Trauma
Traumatic memories are often stored in the brain in a way that makes them feel as if they are constantly
“happening” in the present. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so that they no longer
trigger intense emotional reactions or physical responses. As a result, clients can break free from the cycle
of trauma and regain a sense of normalcy.
Reducing Emotional Distress
EMDR allows individuals to confront their trauma without feeling overwhelmed by it. As they work
through the memories, the emotional charge attached to them is reduced, helping clients to feel more at
peace with their past experiences.
Restoring a Sense of Safety
One of the key components of trauma recovery is re-establishing a sense of safety. EMDR helps
individuals process trauma in a way that allows them to reclaim their sense of control and security, both
in their relationships and in their daily lives.
Healing the Mind-Body Connection
Many people who have experienced trauma struggle with physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or
tension. EMDR therapy’s body scan phase helps individuals become more attuned to their bodies and
release any stored physical tension, aiding in the overall healing process.
Addressing the Root Causes of Negative Beliefs
Trauma often leads to the formation of negative beliefs about oneself or the world (e.g., “I am broken,” “I
am not worthy of love”). Through EMDR, clients can reframe these beliefs and replace them with
healthier, more positive ones.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’ve experienced trauma or find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or negative thought
patterns, EMDR may be an effective treatment option for you. EMDR’s structured approach provides a
clear path to healing, focusing on reducing the emotional charge of traumatic memories and helping
clients regain control over their lives.
At Help Clinic Canada, our certified EMDR therapists specialize in working with individuals who are
seeking relief from trauma, stress, and emotional pain. However, if you’re ready to explore how EMDR
therapy can help you move past your trauma and begin the healing process, we’re here to support you.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, PTSD, or emotional distress, it’s never too late to
start your healing journey. Contact us today to learn more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you
reclaim your life and well-being.
References & Recommended Reading:
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). “Psychological Therapies for Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
