What is EMDR and how can it help you?

Feeling Stuck in the Past? Let's Talk About EMDR.

As a clinical psychologist, I see every day how past experiences can have on our present lives. Sometimes, even after decades have passed, certain memories or events continue to feel painful, and intrusive. They can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and like we're constantly battling an invisible force of threat. A lot of the time making us feel powerless or out of control.

If you're reading this, perhaps you resonate with that feeling. Maybe you've experienced trauma, or perhaps other challenging life events have left you feeling emotionally overwhelmed. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, or feeling on edge. You might be wondering if there's a way you can move forward and enjoy life again.

One of the main approaches I use within my therapy with clients to support them reach their goals is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). EMDR is a therapeutic approach I've seen bring relief from symptoms and reduce overwhelm with my clients and also as a client myself, who has had her own EMDR therapy.  I would like to share a little bit about what it is and how it could potentially help you.

So, What Exactly is EMDR?

Think of your brain as having a natural system for processing and integrating new information and experiences (the technical term for this is adoptive information processing). Most of the time, this system works beautifully, allowing us to learn, grow, and move through life. However, when we experience something particularly overwhelming or traumatic, this processing system can get "stuck."

The memory of that difficult event doesn't get filed away properly with a beginning, middle and end, as it becomes a fragmented memory. Instead, it remains in a kind of "frozen" state, complete with the original intense emotions, negative thoughts, and physical sensations you experienced at the time. This is why you might have flashbacks, feel the same fear or sadness all over again, or experience physical tension when something reminds you of the past. Your brain is doing what it thinks is helpful and looking out for anything in your environment that feels similar that might be a related threat but has just got the volume turned up too much.  Like a car alarm that gets set off by a fly!

EMDR is designed to help your brain unstick those unprocessed memories. It's not about forgetting what happened, but about helping your brain process it in a way that makes it less distressing and allows you to feel more present and in control in your daily life.

How Does EMDR Work in Therapy Sessions?

If you decide to attend EMDR therapy you will go through a carefully structured process. It's not just about talking about the trauma; it's about engaging your brain's natural healing abilities.

The core of EMDR involves bilateral stimulation. This is typically done by guiding your eyes back and forth while you focus on the distressing memory. I might also use other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as using buzzers in both hands, or using alternating sounds through headphones.

While you focus on the memory and the associated thoughts, feelings, and sensations, the bilateral stimulation helps activate both sides of your brain. It's thought to mimic the natural processing that happens during REM sleep, allowing your brain to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional intensity.

During the process, you might notice different thoughts, feelings, or images coming up. This is part of the reprocessing. It's like watching a movie of the event, but with the volume turned down and the emotional intensity significantly reduced. At all times we keep one foot in the present ,whilst observing memories from the past, so you remain grounded and safe throughout the entire process.

What Can You Expect from EMDR with Me?

While every person is unique, many of my clients experience significant positive changes through EMDR therapy. Here are some of the benefits you might notice:

•    Reduced Intensity of Distress: The overwhelm feelings associated with the traumatic memory begins to fade. The memory becomes less emotionally charged and less likely to trigger intense reactions. I hear frequently at the end of a session that the memory “feels more distant.”

•    Shifting Negative Beliefs: Traumatic experiences often lead to negative self-beliefs ("I'm not good enough," "I'm in danger," "It was my fault"). EMDR helps to dismantle these beliefs and replace them with more accurate and empowering ones.

•    Increased Emotional Regulation: You'll likely find it easier to manage and regulate your emotions, feel less overwhelmed by triggers and more in control of your responses.

•    Improved Relationships: As you heal from past wounds, you may find it easier to connect with others and build healthier relationships.

•    Greater Sense of Peace and Freedom: The constant burden of unresolved trauma can feel incredibly heavy. EMDR can help you release that weight, allowing you to feel more able to live in the present.

•    Reduced Physical Symptoms: Many people hold tension and stress related to trauma in their bodies. As the trauma is processed, these physical symptoms often decrease.

•    Increased Self-Confidence: As you process difficult experiences and develop a more positive view of yourself, your self-confidence can flourish.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you're struggling with the lingering effects of past difficult experiences, and you're looking for a way to find lasting relief and move forward, EMDR is definitely something we can explore together. It's an effective approach that has helped so many of my clients reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma, anxiety or low mood.

If you would like to read some of my reviews from clients that have found this approach helpful, please click on this link https://www.berger.me.uk/testimonials

If you would like to have a free chat to discuss how this may be an approach that could help you, please contact me at dr.sarah@berger.me.uk 

Life can feel easier and get better!