What is EMDR & How Does It Work?

Kati Morton

19 Jul 202127:40

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this insightful discussion, Dr. Alexa Altman, a renowned psychologist and trauma specialist, delves into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapeutic approach for addressing trauma and PTSD. She debunks common myths, such as the misconception that EMDR erases memories, clarifying that it instead reduces the emotional charge associated with distressing memories. Dr. Altman also addresses whether EMDR is akin to hypnosis, emphasizing that it is not, and is designed to support a relaxed and safe state for processing traumatic memories. The conversation touches on the importance of preparation before undergoing EMDR, including assessing a patient's current mental state and environment for safety. Additionally, she highlights EMDR's versatility, noting its utility for a range of issues beyond PTSD, such as panic attacks and addictive behaviors. The discussion also explores the possibility of conducting EMDR sessions virtually, noting the potential for a longer rapport-building phase due to the remote nature of the therapy. Dr. Altman provides a practical demonstration of different bilateral stimulation techniques used in EMDR, such as eye movement and tapping, and advises viewers not to attempt EMDR without the guidance of a trained professional. The conversation concludes with guidance on finding a certified EMDR therapist, especially beneficial for those in rural areas, and a teaser for future videos that will further explore EMDR.

Takeaways

🧠 EMDR stands for Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s to help process distressing thoughts and emotions.
👀 The therapy involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to regulate the nervous system and facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories.
🧐 EMDR does not erase memories but reduces the emotional charge associated with them, making them feel neutral and part of the past.
🔮 Contrary to some beliefs, EMDR is not hypnosis; it aims to maintain a relaxed and safe state for processing traumatic memories.
🚫 EMDR may not be suitable for individuals who are actively using drugs or alcohol, suicidal, or unstable, as it could potentially re-traumatize them.
🤔 The therapy requires the client to be present and able to tolerate high emotional states, which is assessed by the therapist before proceeding.
🕰️ EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; the number of sessions varies widely based on the individual's needs and readiness.
👂 Other forms of bilateral stimulation besides eye movement include auditory tones, tapping, and the butterfly hug, which can be used based on client comfort.
🏋️‍♀️ The therapy also involves installing positive resources and states, which can be beneficial for clients and may be practiced outside of sessions.
💻 EMDR can be effectively conducted remotely, although building rapport might take longer, and it's crucial to have a trained clinician guide the process.
📍 Finding an EMDR therapist is now easier due to remote capabilities, and they do not need to be located in the client's hometown but should be licensed in the same state.

Q & A

What does EMDR stand for?
-EMDR stands for Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Who developed EMDR and how did it originate?
-EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the early '80s. It originated from her personal observation during a walk in the park where she noticed that the distressing emotions associated with a thought diminished with the back-and-forth eye movement.
How does EMDR work in terms of brain function?
-EMDR works by creating an opening in the nervous system through bilateral stimulation like eye movement, which is thought to open a neuro-fiber bridge connecting the right and left sides of the brain. This helps regulate the nervous system and allows for the reprocessing of traumatic events.
Can EMDR erase traumatic memories?
-EMDR cannot erase memories. Instead, it reduces the emotional charge or intensity attached to a memory, making the memory feel neutral and as if it belongs to the past.
Is EMDR a form of hypnosis?
-No, EMDR is not hypnosis. Although the eye movement component might feel like a hypnotic state, the goal of EMDR is to support a relaxed and safe state for processing traumatic memories, not to induce a hypnotic trance.
What is the concept of dual awareness in EMDR?
-Dual awareness in EMDR refers to the ability of a person to maintain a connection with both the present moment and the past memory being processed. This dual focus is essential for effective EMDR therapy.
Can EMDR re-traumatize a person if not done properly?
-Yes, if EMDR is not conducted correctly, it could potentially re-traumatize a person. It is crucial that the therapy is provided by a trained therapist who prepares the client well and ensures they are in a safe and stable state to engage in the process.
What is the role of preparation in EMDR therapy?
-Preparation in EMDR therapy involves a thorough history intake to establish a trauma timeline, assess coping skills, and ensure the client's environment is safe. It also involves building rapport and ensuring the client has the necessary affect tolerance to handle the process.
Can EMDR be used for issues other than PTSD?
-Yes, EMDR can be used for a variety of issues, including stress response, panic attacks, and addictive disorders. It helps in addressing the underlying emotional charge associated with these issues.
How does the process of brain spotting differ from EMDR?
-Brain spotting, developed by David Grant, also uses eye movements but focuses on finding specific spots within the visual field that hold the most emotional charge related to a traumatic experience. It can be less activating than EMDR and allows for a steadier processing of the traumatic charge.
Can EMDR be conducted virtually?
-Yes, EMDR can be conducted virtually. However, building rapport might take longer in a remote setting, and the preparation phase could be more extended. It's important to have a trained clinician guide the process, even when done remotely.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to EMDR Therapy

The first paragraph introduces Dr. Alexa Altman, a psychologist and trauma specialist, and sets the stage for a discussion on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). The host and Dr. Altman discuss the origins of EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, and how it involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help regulate the nervous system and reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories. The conversation aims to debunk myths and provide a better understanding of EMDR, its purpose, and how it differs from hypnosis.

05:01

🤔 Common Questions About EMDR

In this segment, the discussion focuses on frequently asked questions about EMDR. The host and Dr. Altman address concerns about whether EMDR can erase traumatic memories, clarifying that it instead reduces their emotional impact. They also dispel the misconception that EMDR is a form of hypnosis. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of being present during EMDR sessions and the role of dual awareness in processing traumatic memories effectively. Additionally, potential issues such as re-traumatization and the conditions under which EMDR might not be suitable are discussed.

10:02

🧠 EMDR Beyond PTSD and Other Modalities

The third paragraph explores the broader applications of EMDR beyond the treatment of PTSD. It highlights how EMDR can be beneficial for various issues, including stress responses, panic attacks, and addictive behaviors. The conversation also touches on the possibility of processing somatic experiences without a clear visual memory and the concept of repression. The paragraph further discusses the use of EMDR in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities and introduces the concept of brain spotting as an alternative method developed by David Grant.

15:05

👀 The Role of Bilateral Stimulation in EMDR

This paragraph delves into the specifics of bilateral stimulation techniques used in EMDR, including eye movement, tapping, and auditory tones. The host and Dr. Altman demonstrate different methods of bilateral stimulation and discuss their effects on the patient's experience. They emphasize the importance of choosing a method that helps the patient feel grounded and present during the therapy. The paragraph also provides insights into the personal preferences for bilateral stimulation and how they can be used as a self-help technique outside of therapy sessions.

20:07

🌐 Virtual EMDR and At-Home Practices

The final paragraph addresses the feasibility of conducting EMDR sessions virtually and the potential challenges associated with remote therapy. The host and Dr. Altman discuss the use of the butterfly hug technique as a form of self-administered bilateral stimulation that can be practiced at home. They caution against attempting EMDR without the guidance of a trained professional and stress the importance of having the proper therapeutic setting and support in place. The paragraph concludes with advice on finding an EMDR therapist, especially for those in rural areas, and the potential for future videos on the topic.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the brain process and reorganize traumatic memories. In the video, Dr. Alexa Altman discusses the process and aims to debunk myths about EMDR, emphasizing its role in reducing emotional charge rather than erasing memories.

💡Trauma Specialist

A trauma specialist is a professional, often a psychologist or psychiatrist, who has specialized training and experience in identifying, understanding, and treating trauma and its effects. In the video, Dr. Alexa Altman, as a trauma specialist, provides insights into EMDR and addresses common concerns and misconceptions about the therapy.

💡Bilateral Stimulation

Bilateral stimulation refers to the simultaneous activation of both sides of the body, which is a key component of EMDR therapy. This can be achieved through eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation like tapping. In the video, various forms of bilateral stimulation are discussed and demonstrated as methods to help regulate the nervous system and facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.

💡Desensitization

Desensitization is a process in therapy where a person is gradually exposed to a traumatic memory or related stimuli in a safe environment, with the goal of reducing the emotional response over time. In the context of the video, EMDR aims to desensitize the individual to traumatic memories by reducing their emotional charge, making the memory less distressing.

💡Reprocessing

Reprocessing in the context of EMDR is the act of reorganizing and integrating traumatic memories into a person's conscious awareness in a healthier way. The video explains that EMDR can help individuals change the way their brain responds to trauma, leading to new insights and emotional relief.

💡Nervous System Regulation

Nervous system regulation is the process of balancing and stabilizing the autonomic nervous system, which can be disrupted by traumatic experiences. EMDR is believed to help regulate the nervous system through bilateral stimulation, as discussed in the video, which can lead to a reduction in distress and improved emotional well-being.

💡Memory Neutralization

Memory neutralization is the outcome where a traumatic memory becomes less emotionally charged, allowing the individual to recall the event without the intense negative emotions previously associated with it. In the video, Dr. Altman explains that EMDR does not erase memories but can lead to their neutralization, making them feel like any other past event.

💡Dissociation

Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, often as a response to trauma. The video discusses how EMDR can be used to help individuals who experience dissociation, but emphasizes the importance of being present during the therapy process.

💡Resilience Zone

The resilience zone, as mentioned in the video, refers to an individual's capacity to withstand stress or adversity. It is a concept used to illustrate the varying levels of stress different people can handle before reaching a fight, flight, or freeze state. EMDR therapists assess a client's resilience zone to determine the appropriate pace and intensity of therapy.

💡Remote Therapy

Remote therapy involves providing psychological services through digital platforms, such as video conferencing, rather than in-person. The video discusses the feasibility of conducting EMDR sessions remotely, noting that while it can be effective, it may require additional preparation to establish rapport and ensure the client's safety and comfort.

💡Butterfly Hug

The butterfly hug is a self-administered technique used in EMDR therapy to provide a form of bilateral stimulation that can be done by the client independently. As shown in the video, it involves crossing one's arms over the chest and tapping on the shoulders to help ground the individual and install positive states.

Highlights

EMDR stands for Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the early '80s.

Shapiro discovered that bilateral eye movement could help reduce the intensity of distressing emotions and sensations.

EMDR is based on the theory that bilateral movement, like eye movement, can create an opening in the nervous system and help regulate it.

One theory suggests that eye movement in EMDR opens a neuro fiber bridge between the right and left sides of the brain.

During traumatic events, the thinking part of the brain often shuts down, making it hard to reprocess the event.

EMDR therapy aims to reduce the emotional charge of a memory rather than erase it, making the memory feel neutral.

EMDR is not hypnosis; it supports a relaxed and safe state for processing traumatic memories.

Dissociation during EMDR is not ideal; the patient needs to be present to effectively process the memory.

Proper preparation is crucial before starting EMDR to ensure the patient's safety and readiness.

EMDR therapy is not recommended for individuals who are currently using drugs, alcohol, or are suicidal.

The effectiveness of EMDR varies from person to person, and the therapy can be adapted to individual needs.

EMDR can be used for a variety of issues beyond PTSD, including stress response, panic attacks, and addictive disorders.

Brain Spotting is a similar approach to EMDR, focusing on different spots in the visual field to access the charge of a traumatic event.

EMDR can be adapted for remote sessions, although building rapport may take longer.

Bilateral stimulation techniques in EMDR, such as eye movement, tapping, and auditory tones, serve to anchor and ground attention.

The Butterfly Hug is a self-administered bilateral stimulation technique that can be used to install positive resources.

It is advised not to try EMDR at home without the guidance of a trained clinician due to the risk of opening up unprocessed material.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

EMDR Therapy Trauma Specialist Dr. Alexa Altman Myth Debunking Psychological Healing PTSD Treatment Eye Movement Remote Therapy Trauma Processing Self-Help Techniques Nervous System Regulation Virtual Sessions Trauma Recovery