Orlando Therapist Explains How EMDR Therapy Works
Orlando Therapist Explains How EMDR Therapy Works
Written By: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Have you been considering EMDR Therapy but want to understand what is before picking up the phone and getting started? Does it sound a bit “woo woo” and you need to know more you open to giving it a try?
I totally understand. I too was a bit skeptical about EMDR when I heard about it for the first time. As a Certified EMDR Therapist and an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant, I’ve obviously taken the bait hook, line, and sinker by this point. My name is Lauran Hahn and I am also the owner of Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, a group therapy practice that specializes in anxiety, trauma, and EMDR Therapy.
All of the therapists in our practice specialize in EMDR Therapy Orlando.
What is EMDR Therapy?
The client is utilizing the Theratappers for bilateral stimulation EMDR Therapy Orlando. The theratappers vibrate left to right in her hands.
I answered this question in my most recent blog post, What is EMDR Therapy, but I will briefly address it below.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR Therapy is used to help people process traumatic and stressful events using bilateral stimulation. During EMDR Therapy, your therapist will ask you to focus on the distressing event while having you engage in some method of bilateral stimulation.
There are many different forms of bilateral stimulation including using your eyes to follow a finger or light alternating left and right. Another form of bilateral can be tapping your shoulders or another part of your body left to right. You and your therapist will determine the most comfortable form of bilateral stimulation before you start working on a memory.
How does EMDR Therapy work?
While there have been many many studies regarding the efficacy of EMDR Therapy, researchers have not exactly pinpointed the ‘how’ behind it all. We do have some theories, however.
Adaptive Information Processing
The theory behind EMDR Therapy suggests that when an overwhelming traumatic event occurs, it leads to unprocessed memories and maladaptive beliefs about self and the world. These unprocessed memory fragments are the cause behind symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and emotional overreaction.
The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR Therapy helps the brain process the memory so that it is no longer disturbing. The process also frees the client up to perceive the trauma from an adaptive lens, so they can learn from the experience and build resilience.
2. EMDR is similar to REM sleep
Close-up of the client holding Theratappers in her hands during EMDR Therapy Orlando.
EMDR Therapy is thought to be similar to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep in a few ways. During REM sleep, our eyes move back and forth quickly, similar to the eye movements used in EMDR Therapy. This rapid eye movement is thought to help the brain process memories and emotions from the day. In fact, some researchers believe that EMDR therapy may help replicate the processing that occurs during REM sleep in a waking state, which can help the person process traumatic memories and emotions more effectively. However, it's important to note that the exact mechanisms behind EMDR therapy and REM sleep are not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research.
3. Communication between the left and right brain
The bilateral stimulation is thought to help the left and right brain communicate. The right brain holds emotions and sensory information, like body sensations, sounds, smells, etc. The left brain holds the narrative, thoughts, and beliefs. When a traumatic event occurs, the person may know cognitively that event is over and happened in the past, but when the right brain gets activated, it can feel like it is happening right now.
The bilateral stimulation in EMDR Therapy is thought to help the right and left brain to communicate so that the brain and the body get the memo that trauma is over.
4. Dual Attention
Another theory suggests that focusing on bilateral stimulation while also focusing on memory, taxes the working memory. Focusing on two things at once helps to bring the activation down that surrounds the memory. EMDR therapists will often say, “keep one foot in the memory and one foot in the here and now.”
5. Consolidating the memory
One theory suggests that EMDR therapy pulls the memory out of long-term memory and puts it into short-term memory. Recalling and activating the memory while using bilateral stimulation, destabilizes the memory. This allows for the maladaptively stored information (negative thoughts, intense emotions, and uncomfortable body sensations) to be processed so new information and learning become available.
What do clients say after EMDR Therapy?
While researchers continue to study the mechanisms behind why EMDR Therapy works, clients consistently have profound experiences after doing EMDR Therapy. One client said last week, “It’s like the memory doesn’t bother me anymore. It feels more distant.”
Another client of the practice said, “I can’t believe how well this works. I am stunned that this doesn’t seem as bad now.”
At the end of therapy, I ask all my clients how they’re feeling now compared to how they felt before they got started.
“I feel calmer and more confident.”
“I am more in control of my emotions now.”
“The past just doesn’t bother as it did before.”
“I’m not blaming myself anymore. I am free from the guilt and shame.”
Ready to start your healing journey with EMDR Therapy Orlando?
At Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, all of our therapists are trained in EMDR Therapy, as we specialize in trauma, anxiety, and healing toxic relationship patterns.
Fill out our New Client Consultation Form
Schedule a consultation call with our Client Care Coordinator
Start your journey of EMDR Therapy
Do you still need time to consider EMDR Therapy Orlando?
That’s ok. We understand. We want you to take the time you need and reach out when you’re ready! Feel free to check out our blog page which is loaded with free resources and guided meditations.
Additional Resources for EMDR Therapy Orlando
EMDR Therapy: Healing the Unspoken
What to Expect in an EMDR Intensive
EMDR Therapy Orlando for a Recent Trauma
Orlando Therapist Explains What to Expect in EMDR Therapy
Orlando Therapist Answers the Question What is EMDR Therapy?
Types of Counseling: What is EMDR?
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
Additional Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando
Mindful Living Counseling Orlando therapists understand that EMDR Therapy Orlando isn’t the only thing you’re thinking about when it comes to starting therapy! It’s important for you to know that we offer a variety of therapy services at Mindful Living Counseling which include Toxic Relationship Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, and Teen Therapy.
About the Owner of Mindful Living Counseling Orlando
As an Orlando Therapist, Lauran Hahn, LMHC, specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety. Lauran is also a Certified EMDR therapist and an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant. She also specializes in boundaries and supporting her clients in healing from toxic relationships. Lauran works to help her clients feel calm in their body, at peace in their mind, and connected in relationships.