What Do You Talk About During EMDR?
In the world of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, our past, present, and future intertwine to sculpt our journey towards healing. While EMDR often initiates the exploration of specific traumatic events or stressors, our discussions go beyond one singular challenge.
EMDR therapy commonly centers around distressing memories and their influence on our current feelings and behaviors. Yet, it extends beyond the immediate, delving into how similar themes have emerged in our past and may resurface in our future. Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which underpins EMDR, we address the psychological stress stemming from unprocessed memories inadequately stored in the brain.
Imagine someone grappling with the belief “I am not safe,” rooted in the past traumatic event. They may discuss how this belief affects their ability to trust others today and hinders the formation of close relationships in the future. Through EMDR therapy, the therapist guides them to process these memories and associated thoughts, aiming to reframe the negative cognition into a positive one, like “I can be safe now”. In this way, EMDR facilitates the integration of memories adaptively, fostering healing and functional responses in daily life.
In simpler terms, EMDR therapy entails the discussions about the underlying fears and negative thoughts surrounding current stressors or past trauma, which impede living life to the fullest. These discussions also encompass reflections on similar past experiences, exploration of coping skills (referred to as resources in EMDR), and considerations of how to navigate future situations that make evoke similar feelings.
As we explore common questions about EMDR in the Kansas City, MO area, including Counseling near Blue Springs, MO, let’s delve into the intricacies of EMDR therapy and the diverse topics that may raise during sessions.
Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash downloaded 8/6/24.
Does EMDR involve talking?
One common question about EMDR therapy for PTSD is whether it involves talking. The answer is yes, but it’s important to recognize that all forms of psychotherapy for PTSD involves some amount of verbal communication. However, the focus and intensity of talking in EMDR therapy may differ from traditional talk therapy approaches.
In EMDR therapy for PTSD, talking serves as a means to explore distressing memories, negative beliefs, and their impact on current emotions and behaviors. However, the conversation extends beyond simply recounting past events. EMDR delves into the underlying themes and patterns that link past experiences to present challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of one’s internal landscape.
Interestingly, some individuals appreciate that EMDR therapy for PTSD can involve less talking than other forms of psychotherapy. While traditional talk therapy often relies heavily on verbal communication through the session, EMDR allows for periods of focused attention on internal experiences, such as sensations, emotions, and imagery, without the need for continuous verbal expression. This aspect of EMDR for PTSD can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally or who prefer a more experiential approach to therapy.
What do you talk about during EMDR?
What you talk about in EMDR therapy can vary greatly, reflecting the unique needs and experiences of each individual. Initially, the focus often revolves around assessing the reasons for seeking therapy and identifying specific targes for processing. This may involve discussing a target negative cognition- an unhelpful belief or thought pattern- and identifying instances when you’ve experienced or currently experience that belief.
As therapy progresses, the conversation evolves to delve deeper into these targeted memories and associated emotions. During the actual processing phases of EMDR therapy, you may not verbalize every single thought or memory that arises. Instead, you’ll likely share significant revelations or insights that emerge between sets of bilateral stimulation.
The therapeutic dialogue in EMDR extends beyond surface-level discussion of past events. It delves into the underlying fears, negative thoughts, and maladaptive beliefs that contribute to ongoing distress. Through this process, clients explore how these themes have manifested in past experiences, how they manifest in current situations, and how they may impact future expectations. This approach allows for a full exploration of the interconnecting between past experiences, present emotions, and future outlooks.
What are you supposed to notice during EMDR?
In EMDR therapy, clients are encouraged to pay close attention to their thoughts, emotions, sensations, and mental imagery that emerge during bilateral stimulation. This form of stimulation, whether through eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, is a fundamental aspect of EMDR therapy and plays a crucial role in processing distressing memories.
So, what is bilateral stimulation and how can it be used in EMDR treatment? Bilateral stimulation involves rhythmic stimulation of both sides of the body or brain, which helps to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories and emotional distress. During EMDR sessions, this stimulation can take various forms, such as guided eye movements, alternating taps on the hands, or auditory tones that alternate between the ears.
During bilateral stimulation, clients may experience a range of internal shifts, including changes in emotional intensity, insights into past experiences, or alterations in negative beliefs. However, it’s important to emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to experience bilateral stimulation, nor is there a specific set of things you’re “supposed to” notice.
Instead, the focus lies on being present and engaged with the process, allowing whatever thoughts, emotions, or sensations that pop up, to naturally surface. By adopting an open and non-judgmental stance toward one’s internal experiences, clients can create a space for exploration and discovery, free from expectations.
In this way, EMDR therapy fosters a sense of curiosity, and encourages clients to trust their innate capacity to heal. Every individual’s journey through EMDR is unique, and what emerges during bilateral stimulation is guided by their own internal landscape and the specific targets being addressed in therapy.
The effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD has been widely studied and documented. Research indicates that EMDR is a highly effective treatment for PTSD, with many individuals experiencing significant reductions in symptoms and improvements in overall well-being. By targeting the underlying neural pathways associated with traumatic memories, EMDR helps individuals process and integrate these experiences more adaptively, leading to lasting healing.
What to think about during EMDR
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash downloaded 8/6/24
During EMDR therapy for single event trauma, clients may be encouraged to focus on specific memories, emotions, or negative beliefs as they engage in bilateral stimulation. However, it’s important to approach these thoughts with curiosity and openness, allowing whatever comes to mind to surface without judgment. Your therapist will guide you through the process, prompting you to explore memories or beliefs that are relevant to your therapy goals.
It’s important to note that there’s no need to force anything or try to control your thoughts. Instead, simply let your mind wander naturally and see what arises. Your therapist will help you stay within your “window of tolerance”, ensuring that you feel safe and supported as you navigate through difficult emotions and memories.
Additionally, your therapist may also encourage you to focus on positive resources or coping skills to help regulate distress during the process of difficult memories. These resources can serves as anchors, providing a sense of stability and comfort during challenging moments.
Ultimately, the goal of EMDR therapy is to facilitate the adaptive processing of memories and beliefs, leading to a greater sense of resolution and well-being. By participating in bilateral stimulation and remaining open to whatever thoughts or feelings arise, you can harness the power of EMDR therapy from single event trauma, or other traumatic events.
Missouri EMDR Therapy
At Aspire Counseling, we recognize the profound impact that trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mental health challenges can have on individuals. Whether you’re a teenager grappling with the pressure of adolescence, a college student navigating academic stressors, or an adult facing the complexities of daily life, our team of compassionate and experienced therapists are here to support you on your journey towards healing and resilience.
We specialize in evidence-based therapy services, offering approaches grounded in research and proven effectiveness. One such modality is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly impactful therapy technique for processing trauma and facilitating healing. Many of our clinicians are trained in EMDR and have witness its transformative effects firsthand, helping countless individuals reclaim their lives from the grips of past trauma and emotional distress.
Conveniently located in Lee’s Summit MO and Columbia MO, we provide in-person counseling services tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences. Additionally, we offer online therapy services to individuals throughout the state of Missouri, ensuring that quality mental health care is accessible and convenient, regardless of your location or schedule constraints.
We understand that discussing therapy with your teenager can be a delicate matter. Talking to your teen about therapy, or even friends and family, is an important step in helping them understand the benefits of seeking professional support. Our team is equipped to guide you through this conversation, offering insights and strategies to make you, or your teen, feel more comfortable and open to the idea of counseling. By fostering a supportive environment, we aim to make the transition into therapy as smooth as possible for you or your teen.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your well-being, we invite you to reach out to us today. Let our team of dedicated therapists help you navigate life’s challenges with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based care. Your journey towards healing begins here.
