Health & Happiness: Counselling and Wellness is excited to announce that we are now offering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Here are some basics to get you started.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment that has helped millions of people manage a variety of mental health concerns. It can be used on it’s own, or in conjunction with other talk therapies. EMDRIA-trained and regulated clinicians provide the structured and internationally recognized protocol of EMDR. Lots of research supports this modality, and many medical bodies, including the World Health Organization. Francine Shapiro first developed EMDR to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She discovered that rapid eye movements, such as those used in REM sleep, can also benefit individuals when awake. Furthermore, we subconsciously process the information we experienced throughout the day during REM sleep. Therefore, our brains are hard at work even when we are sleeping. This process led to development of the Adaptive Information Processing Model, the theoretical framework that guides EMDR.

Memories & The Adaptive Information (AIP) Model

Scientists still find memory mysterious, and researchers are continually learning more about it. We know that the brain stores memories in either adaptive or maladaptive memory networks. These memories organize based on the type of information they contain. Adaptive memory networks store helpful information, like positive beliefs, resources, and learning. Maladaptive memory networks store traumatic or distressing memories. These are the ones that cause us so many problems.

The AIP Model assumes that the during times like REM sleep, the brain processes information. Our experiences integrate into these memory networks at this time. Here’s the problem: traumatic experiences and/or repeated distress can overload the brain’s usual coping tools. The result: the memory remains raw. It remains frozen in an intense, distressing state. It essentially is disconnected from the adaptive memory networks that contain helpful information, including how to cope. This means that the distress from that original incident can be triggered by other experiences, affect how we respond to later events, and negatively affect our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

For example, let’s say an adult experienced repeated neglect as a child. Those childhood memories likely weren’t processed appropriately. The result: the negative effects from the original memory don’t go away. These can include overwhelming anxiety, distressing flashbacks, self-esteem issues, or other mental health problems that show up throughout their lives. The painful feelings remain even though the original memory may be long forgotten.

What EMDR Looks Like

EMDR uses a process called bilateral stimulation (such as rapid eye movements, alternating body tapping, or audio) to reactivate the distressing memory and reprocess it. The brain can then reprocess it and heal.

This structured protocol starts with history-taking and in-depth investigation into a person’s life, concerns, and goals. Throughout treatment, clients are fully alert and in control. Their therapist is there supporting them constantly.

Time will also be spent establishing coping strategies and resources, and there is great emphasis on client safety and empowerment.

Too Long; Didn’t Read: The Main Principles of EMDR

• The human brain can heal it’s self, just as the body does.
• The brain usually processes memories and information to completion so it’s integrated into adaptive memory networks, naturally moving towards mental health.
• Psychopathology (mental health problems) are caused by incomplete memory processing
• EMDR targets and reprocesses traumatic memories so healing can resume

Who can benefit?

EMDR can successfully treat a variety of mental health concerns for all ages, such as:

• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Complicated Grief
• Self-Esteem
• Body Image, and Eating Disorders
• Addiction
• and many more!

Takeaway message: EMDR takes out the gut punch…

While EMDR can’t make you forget a distressing memory or turn it into a good memory, it can help you process and manage the memory more effectively. The results can be amazing! Let us know how we can help you take the first steps.