So, what is E.M.D.R.?
E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that was discovered in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is a trauma therapy that effectively releases disturbing, traumatic memories and feelings caused by a traumatic event(s), enabling people to heal from these traumas and the dysfunction they caused.
The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing or traumatic event, the emotional wound can fester and cause intense suffering.
Bilateral Stimulation is the core element of E.M.D.R. Bilateral stimulation is thought to improve the brain’s communication between the hemispheres and is used to activate or ‘awaken’ the whole brain. Some say it is similar to the function of Rapid Eye Movement (R.E.M.) sleep patterns.
R.E.M. occurs in the deepest stage of our nightly sleep, effectively processes, and releases negative thoughts and emotions. However, with the amount of stress in our lives these days and the traumas that we experience over time or all at once, the R.E.M. system gets overloaded and cannot process the excess emotions that build up.
This “overflow” gets stored in the subconscious and continues to negatively affect our beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. E.M.D.R. releases this “overflow” so we can return to positive and healthy functioning.
Once the disturbing memories (along with any “extra-charge” of emotion connected to the memories) are released, so too are the issue(s) that the client initially came into therapy to work on. Length of treatment depends on the intensity and duration of the disturbing event/events the client experienced that originally caused their disturbing memories and dysfunctional behaviors.
And, besides working very effectively with releasing major trauma, it has also been discovered that it can be very effective as a relaxation tool and a positive enhancement tool.
One way to accomplish this is by applying a simple method called “The Butterfly Hug” to yourself. To try this, focus on the general anxiety or stress or the positive thought or feeling you want to enhance. Then alternately tap your arms or shoulders (or other parts of your body) in a left-right, left-right fashion until the anxiety subsides or the positive feeling gets to where it feels good. If either of these methods causes any irritation, stop and try again later.
The following are just a few examples of how E.M.D.R. can help in a variety of situations:
A Fireman Afraid of Heights
Frank* was a young adult in his mid-20s who always dreamed of becoming a fireman, and now he had been hired to be one. Everything was great except for the fact that Frank was afraid of heights.
To qualify to be a fireman, he had to repel out of a building at great heights and other tasks that would put him face to face with his fear.
First, we worked on releasing his fears related to past instances he remembered where he experienced this fear. This allowed him to remove the fear around these situations.
Then we focused on his current fears regarding the fireman’s test and went through several scenarios that made him particularly fearful. We addressed each fear he could think of that caused him any stress whatsoever until all the fear was cleared.
After taking the test, Frank said, “It went really well. I did it and didn’t even flinch. It was great. I did it four times, the last time just for kicks. I appreciate your help, and thank you very much.”
Sexual Abuse in the Past Interferes with Current Relationship
Theresa* was in her mid-30s and came to work on being sexually abused by an uncle when she was younger.
Theresa always knew that this situation created negative feelings and trust issues with males and even acknowledged that it was probably part of what broke up her first marriage.
But she has just gotten married again and now wants to let go of these issues so she can enjoy a more meaningful relationship with her new husband.
We worked on her memories and negative feelings related to her childhood abuse. She processed them very well even though they were uncomfortable and even painful because the abuser was her uncle.
The more she was released, the more she could have more healthy sexual relations with her new husband, saying she felt like a teenager all over again, just beginning to learn how to have a healthy relationship.
Retirement – Oh, No!
Michael* was in his mid-sixties and complained about having consistent panic attacks during the night and when he awoke in the morning. He said this happened since he turned retirement age (65 y. o.) 5-6 months ago.
Through the years, he’s been happy doing what he did for a living, but it provided little financial security, especially after retirement.
He still had a few clients, but not nearly enough to make him and his wife comfortable throughout the retirement years.
I taught him how to do the “Butterfly Hug,” a bilateral stimulation technique that helps relax and release anxiety, fear, and even panic attacks. I instructed him to use this method whenever he felt a panic attack coming on or getting too fearful about his situation.
During Michael’s processing he discovered that he had a very big negative belief that he was “not supposed to be” successful. Throughout his childhood, he was humiliated and minimized by his family of origin for anything he was successful at.
After we worked to clear this negative belief and other negative beliefs like it, he focused more clearly on what he wanted and how to go about it. He joined a program that he was confident would help him attract more clients.
Because of our work together and his newfound faith that things will work out, Michael no longer had panic attacks, slept through the night very well, and felt refreshed and excited about his new business adventure, which he is very much following through on.
*Names changed to protect client confidentiality.
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Testimonial
“E.M.D.R. released a lifetime of negative beliefs I had stored up. It allowed me to recognize that I was not responsible for all the bad things that happened in my life. It gave me back a feeling of worthiness and allows me to repair and work on my relationship with my husband and family! I have never felt so FREE!”
M.U.