Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR) for Trauma & Anxiety 

While cognitive- based or top-down therapies are excellent modalities for treating certain mental health challenges, somatic- based or bottom-up approaches are helpful for chronic or trauma- based concerns. The book “The body keeps the score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk explains why somatic treatments are helpful for trauma that is trapped in the body’s nervous system.

Briefly, the emotions and bodily reactions created at the time of a traumatic event are associated with chemicals in the nervous system and these cause the brain to store or encode the traumatic experience in a manner different from an everyday event which doesn’t carry a strong emotional charge.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation via rapid eye movements (or tapping) to reprocess the memory by having the client bring it into consciousness during the eye-movements which are guided by the therapist. Some people may experience the memory becoming less vivid or intense but the memory itself is still in tact. Unlike strategy based modalities, talking in length or describing the traumatic event is not necessary for treatment to be effective. The memories must be recalled by the client while also acknowledging body sensation location. 

Alongside reprocessing, we target negative core beliefs associated with the traumatic memory and integrate a more adaptive belief. When the more adaptive belief feels more true, and memory is not associated with distress, the EMDR goal is complete. There are often several experiences which underlie the client’s traumatic episode, and therefore several sessions of EMDR may be warranted.

Before any traumatic reprocessing, we have at least two sessions learning stabilization/ self- care techniques to use both during sessions and between sessions. Before any treatment takes place, the therapist conducts a thorough psychosocial assessment to determine whether EMDR is a good fit for you. 

At Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health, we currently have two therapists who are trained & experienced in delivering EMDR therapy.

Please inquire for more information!