For many of us, we are not aware of how much the past impacts our present-day life. We are aware of how big “T” trauma such as sexual assault or witnessing violence can be life changing. It is the small “t” traumas such as school yard bullying or the loss of a pet when we were young or fights with our siblings that often have an impact, but are dismissed because the events were not viewed as traumatic at all. Chronic depression, anxiety and anger often have roots in trauma. Will you and Annette be a good fit? Send Annette a confidential email to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) starts with the client thinking about a traumatic memory which is also known as memory activation. Using bilateral stimulation (eye movement, taps or audio beeps) while thinking about the memory promotes processing and integration of the memory. Bilateral stimulation is thought to be related to REM sleep. Dual attention occurs as one pays attention to both the bilateral stimulation and the memory. EMDR promotes healing of the traumatic memory reducing emotional reactivity. In essence the memory which is stuck in “trauma time” is processing into adult working memory and knowledge.
Assessment. A very thorough history is taken. The purpose of this history taking is to start the process of identifying potential targets.
Trauma Plan. A list of potential targets is developed including the first memory, the worst memory and the most recent memory for all themes.
Resource Development. In this stage resources are developed to help the client ground and self-soothe.
Processing Targets. Using bilateral stimulation (eye movement, taps or beeps) the client thinks about and processes the trauma.
Closure. Using resources developed, the client packs up the trauma and grounds in present day so they can go back into their life until the next therapy session.
Noticing what is coming up and letting the brain go where it needs to go is key to EMDR. Throughout the session the client is asked at regular intervals to report what they are thinking, feeling or sensations in the body. This self-report allows the therapist to monitor the reprocessing and to ensure that the client doesn’t get stuck. As the reprocessing and desensitization occurs the situation begins to feel less and less distressing.
The goal of EMDR is for you to make peace with the situation and be able to say, “That was bad, but I am ok.” Learn more about EMDR for PTSD and Trauma Counselling by contacting Annette Poechman, Certified EMDR Therapist today.
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Listening. Guiding. Caring.
