Healing the Roots with EMDR
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful treatment for trauma. In the book, The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk, a prominent trauma therapist, considers EMDR and somatic approaches to be the gold standards for trauma treatment (van der Kolk, 2014). In my own experience as a client, I have received EMDR for panic symptoms related to medical trauma. The improvement in my symptoms was quite profound which led me down the journey of wanting to learn it. Now as a practitioner, I have seen amazing improvements and healing in clients with conditions such as acute stress disorder, depression, PTSD, first responder trauma, and more. This experience has further solidified my own perspective on the treatment.
The Process
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase protocol that begins with identifying the root cause of the trauma. Once identified, the client focuses on the event while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements or tapping that is guided by the therapist (Shapiro, 2018). This unique approach differs from traditional talk therapy, allowing for processing without extensive elaboration of the distressing experience. Following trauma processing, the therapy continues with an "installation" phase, where positive thoughts and self-beliefs are integrated into the memory network (Lee & Parnell, 2012).
Celebrity Endorsements
The growing popularity of EMDR is evident by the list of celebrities who have found healing through this therapy. Prince Harry recently attributed EMDR to his progress in dealing with trauma related to his mother's death and feelings of helplessness and being hunted (Dodd, 2023). Similarly, Sandra Bullock credits EMDR with helping her overcome residual trauma from a stalker (Chung, 2023). These are just a few examples among other notable figures like David Beckham, Lady Gaga, and Paris Jackson who have spoken positively about their EMDR experiences.
The Research
The effectiveness of EMDR is further supported by extensive research. More than 44 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its success in treating PTSD, early traumatic stress, and trauma in children, with many studies reporting up to 90% symptom reduction in as few as three sessions (EMDRIA, 2023). Additionally, over 28 trials have evaluated its efficacy in treating major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions, indicating its broader therapeutic potential (Shapiro & Laliotis, 2017).
Some Neuroscience
From a neuropsychological perspective, EMDR's bilateral stimulation mimics the brain activity during slow-wave sleep, facilitating the calming of the amygdala and its synchronization with other brain regions (Shapiro, 2018). This synchronization allows for processing and integration of the traumatic memories. Bilateral activation is also pruposed to stimulate the thalamus, specifically the ventrolateral and central-lateral nuclei, aiding in the repair and integration of various brain functions often disrupted in PTSD (EMDRIA, 2008). In simpler terms, EMDR can be seen as a way to "cleanse" the overloaded memory storage of traumatic experiences.
From my own experience I can say it truly has been a profound tool for healing as both client and therapist.
References:
Chung, S. (2023, May 2). Sandra Bullock opens up about stalker trauma and healing with EMDR. ABC News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7BNXqF0Oyw
Dodd, L. (2023, August 11). Prince Harry says EMDR therapy helped him heal from trauma. CNN. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/21/emdr-what-is-the-trauma-therapy-used-by-prince-harry
EMDRIA. (2023, October 25). EMDR research. https://www.emdria.org/
EMDRIA. (2008, February). The neurobiology of EMDR. https://www.emdria.org/
Lee, C., & Parnell, J. A. (2012). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A practical guide for therapists. Guilford Publications.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols & procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications.
Shapiro, F., & Laliotis, D. (2017). EMDR treatment for depression and