EMDR Therapy has progressed from a PTSD treatment method to a comprehensive psychotherapy approach. This means that EMDR Therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, and others. Various professional organisations and governmental agencies around the world have recognised EMDR as an effective treatment. Have you ever wondered why EMDR Therapy works so well? Here are three reasons why EMDR works.

1. EMDR Therapy stimulates the brain's natural healing processes.

2. Healing occurs without reliving traumatic memories.

3. EMDR therapy focuses on reprocessing rather than story retelling.

On the surface, EMDR appears to be about eye movement. EMDR Therapy, on the other hand, is more than just eye movement. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model provides an explanation for how EMDR therapy works. Negative memories networks, according to AIP, are the "underlying basis of both pathology and mental health." Clients can be liberated from their sufferings if we can access and reprocess these memories.

EMDR Therapy stimulates the brain's natural healing processes.

EMDR Therapy is based on the idea that our brain has a natural ability to heal. However, in stressful situations, particularly when we are overwhelmed, the information processing system becomes ‘stuck'. Memories are not remembered adaptively. As a result, critical learnings or realisations are stalled.

EMDR therapy aids in this process by re-accessing dysfunctional memories and restarting the adaptive learning process. When reprocessing occurs, an adaptive resolution occurs. EMDR therapy uses our brain's natural healing properties to reactivate these healing properties on traumatic memories from the past.

Healing occurs without reliving traumatic memories.

The reprocessing of past traumatic memories is critical in therapy. However, reprocessing traumatic memories is fraught with difficulties. For example, a client may withhold critical information unintentionally due to fear of rejection or embarrassment. Alternatively, a client may be re-traumatised while recounting events from the past. These factors interfere with the ability to process traumatic memories.

The role of an EMDR therapist is that of a facilitator of the therapy process. To access and stimulate traumatic memories, the client does not need to share embarrassing details with the therapist. Once the traumatic memory has been activated, the EMDR clinician will use eye movement to reprocess it. The EMDR clinician will look for signs that the client is reprocessing and will work with the client to help them resolve their past. If the reprocessing becomes stalled, the clinician will assist the client in getting back on track.

This is the power of EMDR therapy: healing can occur without revealing too many details. In fact, the client only share when he/she feels compelled to. After reprocessing their past, most clients find it easier to talk about it.

EMDR therapy focuses on reprocessing rather than story retelling

There is a distinction to be made between reprocessing and retelling old stories. Retelling old stories is nothing more than a rehash of information. The therapist may be more knowledgeable about the problem. However, nothing has changed for the client.

Reprocessing, on the other hand, aids in the reorganisation of existing information in order to promote new insights and realisations. We gain a new understanding of an existing situation when information is effectively reprocessed. That is where real change occurs. Time spent reprocessing is time spent healing. The more time spent on reprocessing, the more healing the client will receive.

A 50-minute EMDR session should allow for approximately 30 minutes of reprocessing time. If a client choose an 80-minute session, the reprocessing time can last up to an hour. This is a significant amount of time spent on healing.

Recognise that assistance is available.

I hope this article has helped you learn more about EMDR Therapy. Insight Therapy Services offers EMDR Therapy to clients.

If you wish to book an initial consultation, visit this page.

For further information, please contact me at alex@insight-therapy.com.sg.