EMDR
EMDR is another path to healing and growth offered at CBT Denver. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based approach aimed at reducing the intensity of traumatic events, and the negative beliefs and emotions that often accompany them. While EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma such as abuse, assault, or car accidents, it is now also used to treat depression, anxiety, fear of public speaking, performance anxiety, and unresolved grief. EMDR is useful in targeting negative emotions and beliefs about oneself – what we often call the “narrative”. The memories of very disturbing or traumatic events seem to get “stuck” in our memory networks, resulting in lingering images, painful emotions, negative beliefs, and enduring physiological reactions and sensations.
EMDR Therapy seems to work by facilitating the processing of these memories so that they are no longer stuck in the emotional system of the brain. The emotional processing helps the cognitive or belief system to adapt to healthier more positive beliefs. EMDR sessions involve addressing or “targeting” past experiences that are part of the trauma memory network in the brain. Dual Attention Stimulation (DAS), which is bilateral stimulation of the brain using eye-movements, tactile pulsars held in the hands, audible sounds in the ears, or hand taps alternating on the right and left side of the body, is used in EMDR Therapy to help process memories.
During the therapy, the client is asked to recall the traumatic experience, along with the negative emotions and beliefs associated with it. Then, the client follows the therapist’s lead in focusing on the bilateral stimulation, such as the eye movements or other forms of DAS. This repetitive stimulation helps the brain to move from the emotionally charged state of the traumatic experience to a more resolved state. It's believed that this process helps to integrate the traumatic memory into a more adaptive framework in memory.
EMDR Therapy is safe and non-invasive and can be easily integrated with other forms of therapy that we offer at CBT Denver. Clinicians work with clients to build a comprehensive resourcing repertoire that is helpful both during treatment and in-between sessions. We teach effective tools for calming the nervous system, decreasing avoidance, and managing distress. EMDR is a collaborative and adaptable process that can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
For more information about EMDR Therapy please visit www.emdria.org.
