Examining How EMDR Functions as an Effective Tool in Therapy

Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy continues to grow in popularity. While it’s not a new therapy, it was originally designed to help people dealing with PTSD. Over time, EMDR was found to be successful and helpful with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. 

But there’s no denying it’s quite different from other traditional forms of talk therapy. 

So, how does EMDR function as an effective tool when you’re dealing with mental health issues? Let’s take a closer look at how it works and why it’s so effective. 

How Does EMDR Work? 

EMDR uses a process called bilateral stimulation. During your sessions, your therapist will ask you to focus on a specific negative thought or memory. As you focus, they will guide your eye movements back and forth with their finger or an object. 

This process will allow you to become “desensitized” to the negative thought. It doesn’t make that thought disappear, but it takes away some of its power and allows you to change your perspective. 

From there, you’ll be able to work with your therapist to replace the negativity associated with that thought with something more positive. It puts you in control, rather than allowing the thought or memory to control you. 

Engaging the Brain

EMDR isn’t a magic trick. Rather, it helps to engage the brain in a natural way that promotes adaptivity and healing. 

Your brain works hard to process thoughts and memories in healthy, productive ways. When you’ve had a traumatic experience or you’re dealing with extreme anxiety, it can become difficult to process those things correctly. So, they get “stuck” and can make you deal with difficult flashbacks, triggers, and consistent underlying fear. 

EMDR helps to boost the brain’s natural processing function. Unprocessed trauma can be worked through and resolved. 

This type of therapy also helps to rewire the neuropathways in your brain. Your brain has specific areas designed to deal with stress responses — specifically, the amygdala and the hippocampus. EMDR can change the way you respond to stress through this rewiring process, so those negative thoughts and memories don’t seem as overwhelming. 

Better Coping Techniques

Another positive way EMDR functions as an effective tool is it the way it helps you cope. 

EMDR is considered a short-term therapy. While how many sessions you’ll go through depends on your needs, it’s not meant to be something you need forever. Rather, in addition to reprocessing information, EMDR will help you develop safer, healthier coping mechanisms. 

You’ll start to believe in yourself in a more positive way. There’s no denying that trauma and anxiety can wreak havoc on your self-esteem. These issues can cause guilt and shame and make you question your self-worth. As you go through EMDR, you’re likely to shift your perspective on more than just negative experiences. You’ll also start to think more positively about who you are and who you want to be. 

When you recognize your self-worth and build confidence, it’s much easier to cope in healthy ways rather than trying to numb your emotions. 

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’ve heard about EMDR but you’ve been on the fence about trying it, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're happy to provide more information or a consultation. 

EMDR isn’t a quick fix, and it’s not a way to forget about negative experiences. But, it can make you feel more in control of your mental well-being, and offer a brighter future to look forward to where you’re more confident and resilient when stressful events happen. 

If you’ve tried other types of therapy and you’re looking for something different, EMDR therapy could be the solution.