How Does EMDR Work?

Under the right circumstances, our minds are designed to heal themselves organically; just like our bodies instinctively heal wounds. Our minds routinely manage new information and new experiences without us even being aware of how it’s being done.

Sometimes though, our management mechanism gets overloaded under pressure. This can happen either when an intense event happens too fast, or when we find ourselves under stress repeatedly for a duration of time. Neglect, abandonment, high expectations, rejections, disappointments and shame can overwhelm our egos and our coping mechanisms can get stunned.

Sounds familiar? This is when our nervous system cannot process the disturbing experiences and the memories of those experiences remain frozen in our brain in the emotional form. Regular memories can become “stories”; we can easily talk about them. However, the overwhelming ones remain raw.

EMDR is a psychotherapy modality that uses the organic healing ability of the body. It unlocks the processing systems that had been stunned under the overwhelming circumstances. Then the brain finds space to work and it can continue cleaning up old fragmented memories.

When the healing system is unlocked, then the brain gets to process the experience and then releases the painful feelings associated with the memory. EMDR helps the brain create those connections within the memory networks and allows the healing to continue.

What to expect at EMDR session?

An EMDR session can last either 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

It can be used to focus on a particular issue or can be a part of a longer therapy program.

During EMDR, you remain fully awake and in control as the therapist provide the circumstances for the brain to do the healing naturally and organically.

It’s important to note that while EMDR has proven to be beneficial for many, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not work for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a mental health professional for personalized advice.

Our EMDR specialist is currently away on sabbatical. Call to book in with our other amazing counsellors as there are a variety of modalities offered that can support you while providing similar results to EMDR.