Exploring the Science Behind EMDR Therapy
Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has seen significant growth when it comes to the treatment of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Many people are turning to it as an alternative to traditional forms of talk therapy.
Others, however, are still confused as to how EMDR really works. There are some common myths and misconceptions associated with the practice. It’s not a form of hypnosis, and it’s not some kind of gimmick to trick you into “forgetting” about negative thoughts.
Rather, EMDR is a scientifically backed therapy that can actually help change the way your brain thinks and processes things. By reactivating certain neural networks in the mind, EMDR can improve the way you perceive and handle negative thoughts and memories without blocking them completely.
Let’s take a closer look at those brain changes and explain why EMDR is so effective.
What to Expect
During EMDR sessions, your therapist will utilize a process called bilateral stimulation. You will focus on a specific negative thought or memory while they guide your eye movements back and forth with their finger or an object.
As the brain is stimulated, both the emotional and logical parts of the brain are integrated, reconnecting neural pathways that make it easier to process the memory. While the memory doesn’t disappear, this process changes the way you experience and think about it, so it doesn’t seem as overwhelming. The negative feelings associated with that memory will likely become easier to handle.
Working Through Stuck Areas
When you’re dealing with the effects of a traumatic event, or even if anxiety has made it nearly impossible to overcome negative thinking, these thoughts can become “stuck” in some regions of the brain. It becomes hard to self-soothe. The two halves of your brain can’t communicate how they’re supposed to.
Think of these negative thoughts and memories as roadblocks. EMDR is a construction crew coming to bypass the areas of the brain that are stuck by reactivating neural networks and improving internal communication. This allows the logical side of your brain to start soothing the emotional side.
Weaker Memories for a Happier Future
EMDR also helps to synchronize your brain waves by slowing down the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for emotional responses and memories. By slowing down its activity, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. Instead of letting the amygdala take control, slowing it down gives the prefrontal cortex a chance to lead. That’s the area of your brain responsible for decision-making and thinking things through.
Again, this process doesn’t cause you to forget the negative memories or thoughts. But, it can weaken the memory and keep it from standing out so strongly. The weaker those negative thoughts become, the easier it will be to take control of your mental well-being without getting overwhelmed.
Is EMDR Right For You?
Even though there’s typically less talking in EMDR therapy, you’ll still have to open up to your therapist about specific thoughts or memories that are causing you trouble. The more detail you can provide, the better. Doing so will allow you to focus on those thoughts as you go through bilateral stimulation.
EMDR is a phased therapy. During some of the stages, you’re likely to experience strong emotions, and that’s a good thing. You’ll be in a safe place that allows you to breathe deeply and take your thoughts captive as active changes are happening in the brain to promote healing.
As you can see, there’s a lot of science behind EMDR and how it impacts the brain. However, if you have additional questions, I’m happy to help. Feel free to contact me for more information on EMDR therapy or to schedule an appointment soon.
