EMDR
Trauma Processing
Ripples Allied Health Consultancy
As you embark on your journey with EMDR therapy, there are several important aspects to understand about your treatment.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy helps your brain process distressing memories in a new way. It involves recalling these memories while your therapist guides you in bilateral stimulation, like moving your eyes or tapping your hands. This helps your brain reprocess the memories so they're not as distressing.
What should I expect during an EMDR session?
During an EMDR session, you will work with your therapist to recall distressing memories while also doing bilateral stimulation. You might feel emotions or physical sensations, but your therapist will help you through it, and you can take breaks if needed.
How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
The length of EMDR therapy varies for each person. Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others may need more time. Your therapist will work with you to determine the right pace for your healing journey.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes, EMDR therapy is considered safe when conducted by a trained therapist. Your therapist will create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings and memories.
Will I have to talk about traumatic memories during EMDR therapy?
Yes, you will talk about distressing memories during EMDR therapy, but you will not have to go into great detail. Your therapist will guide you through the process in a way that feels manageable for you.
Can EMDR therapy help with other issues besides trauma?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be helpful for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and phobias. Your therapist will tailor the treatment to address your specific needs and goals.
What if I don't feel comfortable with EMDR therapy?
It is important to communicate openly with your therapist if you ever feel uncomfortable during EMDR therapy. You have the right to pause or stop the session at any time, and your therapist will respect your boundaries
How will I know if EMDR therapy is working for me?
You may notice changes in how you feel or react to distressing memories. You might feel less anxious, have fewer intrusive thoughts, or notice improvements in your overall well-being. Your therapist will also track your progress and work with you to see how EMDR therapy is helping you reach your goals.
Ripples Allied Health Consultancy
Understanding Memory Processing: In this section, we explore creative analogies to you grasp the concept of memory processing in EMDR therapy.
Computer File Sorting
Imagine your brain is like a computer filing system. When you experience something upsetting, it is like a file that gets jumbled up and hard to find. EMDR therapy helps your brain organise these files, so they are easier to access and do not cause as much distress.
Messy Room Cleaning
Think of your brain as a messy room filled with cluttered thoughts and memories. EMDR therapy is like tidying up that room. You sort through the clutter, throw away what you do not need, and neatly organise what is left so it is easier to navigate.
Jigsaw Puzzle Solving
Your brain is like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces scattered everywhere. Traumatic memories are like pieces that do not fit quite right. EMDR therapy helps you rearrange these pieces until they form a clearer picture, making it easier to understand and manage your feelings.
Storm Clouds Clearing
Picture your mind as a sky filled with storm clouds representing distressing memories. EMDR therapy acts like a gentle breeze that gradually blows away the clouds, revealing clear skies and bringing a sense of calm and clarity.
Ripples Allied Health Consultancy
In this section, we delve into the journey of processing difficult memories in therapy and the crucial importance of not halting this process prematurely.
If EMDR Processing was like Navigating a River...
Processing is like Navigating a River
Imagine your mind is a river, flowing steadily along its course. The journey of processing difficult memories in therapy is like navigating this river. When you encounter a challenging memory, it is as if you have come across a boulder blocking the river's path.
Maintaining Rhythm & Momentum
Processing involves gently guiding the river around this obstacle. By allowing the river to flow around the obstacle, we enable it to continue its natural course, maintaining its rhythm and momentum.
Stopping the Flow
However, if you choose to stop processing, it is like building a dam in the river. While the water may temporarily pool behind the dam, it eventually becomes stagnant, unable to move forward.
Trust the Flow of the River
Similarly, when we halt the processing of difficult memories, we hinder our emotional growth and healing. It is important to trust the flow of the river, even when it feels daunting, knowing that by allowing it to continue, we can eventually reach calmer waters.
If EMDR Processing was like Taking a Train Ride...
EMDR Processing as a Train Ride
Picture yourself aboard a train, with scenes passing by outside the window representing your emotions and memories. As the train moves forward, you encounter various stations, each one symbolising a milestone in your therapeutic journey—a moment of insight, a breakthrough in understanding, or a step towards healing.
Continuing the Steady Journey
However, along the way, there are also tunnels—dark, challenging moments that may tempt you to hit the emergency brake and stop the train. Yet, by persevering through these tunnels, you allow the train to emerge into the light once again, continuing its steady progression towards your destination of healing and growth.
Therapist as the Conductor
The therapist serves as the knowledgeable conductor on this metaphorical train ride through the journey of processing difficult memories. Like a conductor guiding a train, the therapist provides direction, support, and perspective as you navigate through the emotional landscapes and challenging terrain of therapy.
Viewpoints and Perspectives Offered
Along the way, the therapist may point out scenic viewpoints, offering insights and perspectives that help you better understand your experiences. They also provide comfort and reassurance during the dark tunnels, helping you navigate through moments of discomfort or distress.
Summary & Further Information
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based approach used to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences. It involves eight stages, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. EMDR utilises bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, leading to decreased emotional distress and symptom relief.​
