Online EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach that is primarily used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and other distressing or overwhelming life events. Here’s a brief overview of EMDR therapy:

Bilateral Stimulation

EMDR therapy involves the use of bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through eye movements, taps, or sounds. This bilateral stimulation is believed to stimulate the brain’s information processing system, helping to reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact.

Eight Phases

EMDR therapy typically follows a structured protocol consisting of eight phases. These phases include history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The therapist guides the individual through these phases to facilitate the healing process.

Targeting Disturbing Memories

The core of EMDR therapy involves targeting specific distressing memories or experiences that contribute to current difficulties. The therapist helps the individual identify a specific memory to work on and guides them through a series of sets of bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory.

Dual Awareness

During EMDR therapy, the individual is encouraged to maintain dual awareness, simultaneously holding attention on the distressing memory and the present moment. This dual awareness helps facilitate the processing and integration of the memory within a safe therapeutic context.

Adaptive Resolution

EMDR therapy aims to help individuals move toward adaptive resolution of the targeted memories. This involves reprocessing the memory, updating negative beliefs or emotions associated with the memory, and integrating new, more positive beliefs and associations.

SUDs and VOCs

Throughout the therapy process, individuals rate their subjective units of distress (SUDs) and validity of cognition (VOCs). SUDs represent the intensity of distress associated with the targeted memory, while VOCs reflect the individual’s belief in positive or negative statements related to the memory.

Comprehensive Approach

EMDR therapy takes a comprehensive approach, recognizing that distressing memories and trauma can impact various aspects of an individual’s life. It addresses the emotional, cognitive, and physiological aspects of the trauma to promote holistic healing.

EMDR Applications

While EMDR therapy is most commonly associated with trauma, it has also been used to address other issues such as anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, addiction, and performance anxiety. The application of EMDR therapy can be adapted to suit the specific needs and goals of the individual.