EMDR therapy

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it is a highly effective and evidenced-based therapy. EMDR uses your brain’s information processing system to reprocess traumatic and emotionally-charged memories that may be keeping you “stuck” in old, unhelpful ways of thinking and perceiving yourself, others, and the world.

How does EMDR work?

The brain has an innate ability to constantly learn and adapt to new experiences, keeping important information in our memory networks, and letting go of old, no longer useful information. This is called “Adaptive Information Processing” (AIP). When a stressful or traumatic event occurs, our brains sometimes have trouble processing these experiences, and this interferes with our brain’s learning abilities. We can become “stuck” in the emotions, beliefs, and sensations from the event. EMDR is a therapy that helps to reprocess the negative experiences that are keeping you stuck in old, painful patterns and preventing normal healing from occurring.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation of the brain, such as eye movements or alternating tapping movements, to access the AIP and help you successfully work through difficult memories. The result is that these memories no longer carry the same intensity, and you can begin to reframe these memories with more positive thoughts and beliefs.

EMDR is different from other forms of therapy in that it relies less on talking about presenting concerns and memories and more on the brain’s natural ability to process information, with the supportive presence of a therapist. Often, clients can work through trauma faster with EMDR than other forms of therapy. EMDR is not hypnosis. Clients are fully conscious for the entirety of EMDR treatment sessions.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, but it has since been expanded to treat a wide variety of concerns. It’s not just for trauma! EMDR can be useful for anyone having trouble getting past negative and unhelpful core beliefs about themselves, others, or the world. Here are some examples of beliefs that might be holding you back:

I’m not good enough.
I’m incompetent.
I am broken/damaged.
I don’t belong.
I’m invisible.
It’s my fault. I’m responsible.
I have to be perfect.
I have to be in control.
It’s not okay to feel or show my emotions.
I’m powerless/helpless.
I am in danger.
I can’t trust anyone.

These beliefs can often keep us trapped in painful, ineffective cycles of behavior in our relationship with ourselves and others. If you are struggling with one of these beliefs or with the weight of past trauma in your life, EMDR may be right for you! 

Please visit the EMDRIA website to learn more.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, call (404) 624-6740 or email info@cultivateatlanta.com.