How EMDR Therapy Works in the Brain
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, also known more simply as EMDR, has become a highly effective and sought-after treatment for trauma and PTSD. Unlike more traditional methods that focus on talking through your feelings, this approach helps tap into the brain’s natural recovery processes.
Mimicking your brain’s REM sleep state, EMDR can help confront uncomfortable memories and allow your brain to rewire to restore function. Here’s a look at how EMDR works in the brain.
Trauma’s Impact on Memory
Under normal circumstances, memory processing starts with an encoding process during which sensory information is translated into something the brain can store. From there, information is stored as short-term or long-term memories awaiting future use. When necessary, the brain can retrieve these memories and bring them back to awareness.
Living through a traumatic experience alters both brain chemistry and the processes used for memory storage. After a trauma, instead of this sensory information being stored normally, it can become stuck memories.
When memories remain stuck in a raw and emotionally charged state, it can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened responses to stimuli. This is how the onset of PTSD begins.
Brain Areas Affected
Three key areas of the brain are impacted after trauma.
The amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions like fear, anxiety, and aggression, becomes hyperactive.
The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation, declines in function.
The prefrontal cortex, which influences rational thinking and emotional regulation, also reduces functioning.
EMDR and Bilateral Stimulation
One of the unique components of EMDR is the incorporation of bilateral stimulation. This typically occurs during the fourth phase of the process, called desensitization.
During your session, your therapist will initiate side-to-side eye movements along with tapping or another similar even sound. While the therapist does their part, your job is to focus on an agreed-upon target memory that is stuck and needs to be processed.
Bilateral stimulation helps to not only engage both sides of your brain, but also digest information and reprocess memories. This process is effective in reducing the negatively-charged emotions surrounding the target memory.
EMDR and Memory Reprocessing
The fifth phase of EMDR is called installation. Where you once harbored negative emotions and a stuck memory, you’ll now replace that with something more positive.
EMDR helps to reduce emotional distress, allowing you to start to let go. As your brain reprocesses the memory, it falls in line with your other regular memories. The brain encodes it as information that happened at some point in your past, not something that is still currently active.
When you install a positive belief to be associated with that specific memory, it creates an element of safety. Your brain no longer needs to be on high alert or feel threatened by people, places, sounds, or situations.
Further Thoughts on EMDR Practices
Another reason why EMDR may be successful is its impact on your working memory. Your working memory holds information temporarily while it’s needed for problem-solving and decision-making. When you’re done with this information, it gets moved elsewhere because there is a limited capacity in this space.
EMDR overloads your brain’s working memory space, pulling intensity away from the stuck memory and helping force it out.
How to Get Started
The first step in the EMDR process will involve history taking, education, and preparation for the process as a whole. You’re going to enter an emotional and vulnerable space, so building rapport with a therapist is an important first step.
There are many options for practitioners and approaches in the therapy space. Working with someone who is trained in EMDR is crucial.
If you’re experiencing trauma symptoms or PTSD, you don’t have to continue to struggle. Contact us to get started with EMDR therapy and find healing.
