What is EMDR?

Our brain, when all is running smoothly, knows how to process and integrate our experiences well. It takes them in, holds on to the relevant meaning and learning, connects the new information to existing memory networks, and lets go of what isn’t needed for our wellbeing. Sometimes, however, we can go through experiences that overwhelm this natural capacity. When this happens, the associated memories can become isolated and stuck, leading to various types of mental and emotional distress. 

EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that stimulates the brain’s natural processing and integration capacity to help relieve distress that arises from isolated and stuck memories. It does this using rhythmic bilateral (left to right) stimulation to change the way symptom-causing memories are stored in the brain, connecting them to adaptive memory networks. 

The exact mechanism through which bilateral stimulation works is unconfirmed, and still being actively studied. The leading theory is that bilateral stimulation mimics the eye movements of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. One of the functions of sleep is to consolidate our memories from the day. This is thought to take place during REM sleep, as our eyes are moving back and forth. 

By mimicking the way our brain naturally processes memories, bilateral stimulation in EMDR activates the right and left hemispheres of the brain to connect different brain regions as you hold a specific memory in mind. The memory doesn’t change through this process, but the way it’s stored does. No longer isolated and stuck, it integrates with helpful context and experience that relieves the emotional and nervous system charge.

What does EMDR Therapy look like?

The exact process of EMDR can vary slightly based on its application. In general, you can expect:

• Guidance to connect with components of your inner experience including thoughts, images/memories, emotions, and body sensations

• Bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements, tapping, hand-held buzzers, or auditory tones

• A more “hands-off” feel; in EMDR, we largely sit back and let the brain do what it knows how to do. This approach can be effective with little talking.