Bilateral eye movements or sensory stimulation is used to reprocess the traumatic memory, which is ‘stuck’ in the fight or flight part of the brain (the amygdala) and move the memory to the adaptive brain (the cortex). Here in the cortex the previous alarming memory is now viewed more adaptively – the memory no longer elicits an emotional and physical charge – the client views the memory more dispassionately, no longer feels stressed, and feels more optimistic.

 

EMDR Therapy aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen useful and positive ways of thinking relating to the traumatic event. At the end of therapy clients will have gained a sense of emotional balance and will be able to lead effective lives without disruptively negative thoughts, feelings and emotions.

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The therapy is targeted to specific issues and is not a long term “talk therapy”. There is no homework to do. You do not need to describe in detail the distressing memory, just hold in mind a few key elements of the memory so that stress levels aren’t raised. At the end of processing the client will be able to remember and talk about the distressing memory without distress.

 

EMDR therapy can take place either in person, or virtually, using  Zoom or another similar application.