Erin Calhoun, MACPC LPCC-S is EMDR Trained Through EMDRIA

Just as children are designed to grow, the brain is designed to heal. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, as Dr. Shapiro, the creator of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, calls it, automatically and unconsciously tries to make sense of the things we experience, so that we can have mental health, similarly to how the body automatically and naturally heals wounds so that we can have physical health. However, just as a physical wound cannot fully heal if there is a block (e.g., splinter), trauma in essence is overwhelming to the nervous system and can act as a block preventing psychological healing (Shapiro, 2001). When this happens, rather than getting processed and stored correctly in our brain, trauma gets stuck in our nervous system (Shapiro, 2001). Rather than getting integrated, it stays isolated (Shapiro, 2001). Rather than going to long-term memory and becoming a part of the past, it stays in active working memory and remains in the present (Shapiro, 2001). When trauma is stored in the nervous system, when it is isolated rather than connected to other neural networks, and when it stays in active working memory and in the present, a plethora of symptoms can occur. Just as a festering wound becomes inflamed and sensitive, unprocessed trauma festers and gets easily triggered.

Often, those with unprocessed trauma report the following: depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, temper tantrums, defiance, intrusive thoughts, unwanted feelings, sleep difficulties, eating issues, somatic complaints, fatigue, flashbacks, nightmares, relationship issues, difficulty concentrating, and low school or work performance. Unable to move on, they continue to live with the trauma, as if it is still happening rather than in the past. They often feel confused, unable to make sense of it, and distressed by it. Perhaps the biggest sign that something has been traumatic is that it still affects us. The effects can be emotional, cognitive, and/or physiological. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) helps remove the block and facilitate the Adaptive Information Processing system, helping us achieve adaptive resolution, healing, and optimal functioning (Shapiro, 2001).

Other therapies; such as biofeedback, flooding, and relaxation therapy; can be helpful in that they may alleviate some of the unwanted symptoms, but EMDR is unique in that it goes deeper and changes the neurobiology causing the symptoms (Shapiro, 2001). EMDR is non-intrusive, yet research shows it directly impacts our neurobiology and our physiology (Shapiro, 2001). Clients often have "Aha!" moments and gain valuable insight. This is becuase during an EMDR session, neurophysiological changes are occurring; EMDR connects isolated neuronetworks to more comprehensive memory networks (Shapiro, 2001). It opens the nervous system and helps material become integrated throughout various systems in the brain (Shapiro, 2001). As a result, clients experience a shift in the way their body feels, the way they feel, and the way they think. They gain clarity, insight, and adaptive memory templates to base future responses off of (Shapiro, 2001). These changes, as well as changes in neurotransmitter functioning, are evident in SPECT and fMRI scans post-EMDR treatment (Shapiro, 2001). 

Studies show some of the effects of EMDR are decreased symptoms, significant desensitization of the traumatic memory, and cognitive restructuring (Shapiro, 2001). The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Department of Veteran Affairs designate EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD (Shapiro, 2001). In fact, the Department of Veteran Affairs found 74% of its clinicians, who had treated over 10,000 clients, found EMDR more helpful than any other treatment method used (Shapiro, 2001). 

Dr. Shapiro notes, “The goal of EMDR is to achieve the most profound and comprehensive treatment effects possible in the shortest period of time” (Shapiro, 2001, p. 6). She continues, “EMDR has the ability to facilitate profound therapeutic change in much less time than has been traditionally assumed to be necessary, regardless of the number of years since the traumatic event occurred” (Shapiro, 2001, p. 19). Discussing efficacy, Dr. Shapiro notes, “numerous controlled studies have indicated that 77-90% of civilian PTSD have been eliminated with three 90-minute sessions” (Shapiro, 2001, p. 19). It should be noted that treatment length varies based on individual experience. Those with a simple trauma may only require a few sessions; however, those with chronic trauma and/or those surviving trauma from childhood may require several months or more of treatment (Shapiro, 2001). 

Some traumas are easy to identify and universally accepted as traumatic by our culture. We call these “Big T’s,” but “little t’s” can be just as devastating to our physical and mental health. EMDR can be helpful when we experience chronic stress and/or trauma of any kind. EMDR is helpful with cases involving neglect, sexual assault, domestic violence, crime, grief and loss, natural disasters, accidents, surgery, dissociative disorders, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and other somatic disorders. It can also be used effectively to reprocess any experience that remains upsetting and/or prevents us from functioning at our best. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes memories from childhood, parenting, bullying, relationship difficulties, work stress, failure, disappointment, and grief and loss. 

To learn more about EMDR and to see if it might be helpful for you, click on the link above to schedule free 15-minute consultation.

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic               principles, protocols and procedures. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.