Virtual EMDR Therapy: Transforming Trauma Treatment with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

 

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is known for being an effective treatment in addressing trauma and a range of other mental health issues associated with a traumatic event or event.

 

It is not like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) where there may be a more abstract and free form kind of exchange between the client and therapist. The therapist has a set of responses that are pretty concrete. It is not as conversational or discussion-oriented as you may find in traditional talk therapy.

 

EMDR is a very structured therapy that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation, most commonly in the form of guided eye movements. This unique combination has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for its efficacy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.

 

EMDR is predicated on the idea that traumatic experiences can disrupt the brain's natural processing of memories, leading to persistent distressing symptoms and maladaptive beliefs. According to the theory behind EMDR, when a traumatic event occurs, it may be processed inadequately or maladaptively, resulting in fragmented memories and ongoing psychological distress. EMDR therapy aims to address these unprocessed memories by facilitating adaptive processing through a structured therapeutic approach.

 

At Of Vineyards and Canopies Therapy Services PLLC (OVAC Therapy), we provide eye movement desensitization therapy online.

 

Online EMDR therapy can be just as useful as it is in person. Just like you were in the office, there are steps that we take in EMDR. The primary platform that we use for EMDR is called Easy EMDR where the client can make some adjustments in settings for the bilateral stimulation. We think that setting the controls, although it may seem basic, is very symbolic given how out-of-control trauma can make a person feel.

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EMDR involves eight phases, each designed to address specific aspects of the trauma and its impact on the individual. These phases include:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist assesses the client's history and identifies target memories for processing. This phase involves establishing a treatment plan tailored to the client's needs.

2. Preparation: The therapist prepares the client for EMDR by explaining the process and teaching self-soothing techniques to manage distress that may arise during sessions.

3. Assessment: The therapist and client identify specific traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs. This phase helps establish the focus for reprocessing.

4. Desensitization: The core of EMDR, this phase involves bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, while the client focuses on the traumatic memory. This process is intended to reduce the emotional charge associated with the memory.

5. Installation: The therapist helps the client replace negative beliefs with more positive, adaptive ones. This phase aims to reinforce a healthier self-perception.

6. Body Scan: The client is guided to focus on physical sensations related to the memory, identifying any residual tension or discomfort.

7. Closure: The therapist assists the client in returning to a state of equilibrium, ensuring that they feel stable and grounded before ending the session.

8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses the progress made and addresses any remaining issues related to the memory or other trauma.

 

A hallmark of EMDR, as well as in virtual EMDR therapy, is its use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), which involves the rhythmic movement of the eyes, sounds, or taps that alternate between the left and right sides of the body. The exact mechanisms by which BLS facilitates memory processing remain an area of active research, but several theories have been proposed.

 

One prominent theory suggests that BLS mimics the brain's natural processes during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase associated with memory consolidation and emotional processing. By engaging in BLS during therapy, the brain may be guided to process traumatic memories in a manner similar to REM sleep, allowing for the integration of these memories into a more adaptive framework.

 

Other scholars say that BLS helps to reduce the intensity of emotional responses associated with traumatic memories by engaging both hemispheres of the brain. This bilateral engagement may facilitate a more balanced processing of the memory, reducing its emotional charge and allowing for the development of healthier cognitive and emotional responses. That is why one of our points of preparation is identifying positive cognitions that we want to have about the traumatic event that is being processed and the negative cognitions that our clients already associate with that incident.

 

Despite its many benefits, EMDR therapy online is not without challenges and considerations. Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort or heightened distress during the reprocessing phases, necessitating careful management and support from the therapist. Additionally, the effectiveness of EMDR may vary based on individual factors, such as the severity of the trauma and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions.

 

It is also important to recognize that EMDR is one of many therapeutic modalities available for treating trauma and related issues. While it has demonstrated significant efficacy, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Clients and therapists should collaboratively determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual needs and preferences.

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