EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that works to change the way traumatic memories are stored in your brain. It can also help you learn to cope with painful emotions more effectively. You can use EMDR to address a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship struggles. It is an alternative to talk therapy, and it doesn’t require you to relive your trauma over and over again.

As a result, it might be less distressing than other types of counseling. However, it is still important to prepare yourself before starting treatment. Your therapist will teach you relaxation and mindfulness strategies to manage any strong feelings that arise during or between sessions. They will also instruct you on self-care to keep you safe.

You’ll begin EMDR by reviewing your history and treatment goals. Your therapist will also assess your level of readiness and determine which traumatic memories to target first. Once you’re ready to start, your therapist will ask you to focus on the targeted memory while tapping or sound stimulation engages your bilateral brain activation. Then, your therapist will instruct you to perform side-to-side eye movements while thinking about the memory. This is a component of EMDR called desensitization, and it helps you gradually think about the memory in a more positive light.

While you’re processing your traumatic memory, your therapist will instruct you to identify any negative beliefs associated with it and replace them with more healthy, positive thoughts. They’ll also have you focus on any physical sensations that come up, such as tension or tightness in your body. The next phase of EMDR is installation, where your therapist will have you focus on the positive belief while scanning your body from head to toe for any remaining sensations.

After installing a new thought, your therapist will ask you to focus again on the target memory. This time, you’ll notice that your traumatic feelings are decreasing. This is a sign of progress as you move through the EMDR process. Once your therapist feels you’re no longer experiencing any symptoms, they’ll stop the procedure and let you know.

EMDR has become one of the most popular treatments for PTSD. It’s also been used to treat other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder and substance abuse problems. It may even be able to reduce the effects of chronic pain, autoimmune disease and cancer.

EMDR is an effective tool for treating trauma, but it’s not foolproof. Some counselors are more skilled at using it than others, and some clients are better suited for it than others. A Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Grace College can give you the tools you need to be successful in this unique approach.