EMDR Therapy – Healing Trauma by Reprocessing Memories

Written by Lydia Ignacio, Transformational Coach & Therapist

Lydia Ignacio is the founder & CEO of Reaching Heights, a transformational self-study enterprise with the mission to teach profound healing at the mind, body, and spirit levels, inspire social consciousness and responsibility, and cultivate philanthropy. Heal the self, Heal the World! Together We Rise!

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. It involves reprocessing distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements or tapping), which helps the brain integrate and reduce emotional distress.

How EMDR works

EMDR uses eight phases to guide clients through the healing process:

1. History-taking: Identifying traumatic memories.

2. Preparation: Creating a safe environment and explaining the process.

3. Assessment: Identifying target memories for reprocessing.

4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to process memories.

5. Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs.

6. Body scan: Releasing physical tension associated with trauma.

7. Closure: Returning to a calm state.

8. Reevaluation: Checking progress over time.

EMDR process & tools

EMDR is based on binaural connection and uses the impact of eye movement on brain function to help connect or repair the connection between the left and right brain hemispheres, the pineal gland, and executive functioning (cognitive and executive skills, as well as motivation).

Research supporting EMDR

EMDR has shown impressive results, particularly for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

A study in Journal of Traumatic Stress (2020) found that EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms by 60% within just a few sessions.

In a randomized controlled trial in The Lancet Psychiatry (2022), EMDR showed significant improvements in trauma recovery compared to traditional talk therapy.

Why it works

Bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them less emotionally charged. As a result, individuals can confront their trauma without the intense emotional distress that usually accompanies it.

How to start EMDR

EMDR therapy should always be conducted by a licensed therapist trained in the technique. If you are interested in EMDR, reach out to a mental health professional who specializes in trauma therapy.

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Read more from Lydia Ignacio

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Lydia Ignacio, Transformational Coach & Therapist

Lydia Ignacio is an innovative leader in the utilization and merging of energetic healing therapies and psychotherapy to create a holistic therapy model that serves to heal mind, body, and spirit! Her vision is to build an enterprise that teaches healing at the core for the one and for the many by activating personal purpose, raising social consciousness and responsibility, and cultivating the philanthropy of unity. Her gifts of clairvoyance and scholarly mastery early on revealed the intrinsic truths of oneness and purpose for all. Dedicating herself to spreading the gospel of the gift of life as a treasure of human experience and expression in all forms. The message: To love the self is to love all! This is the meaning of life.

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References:

1. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation (2021). “EMDR Therapy for PTSD: A Meta-Analysis of Effectiveness in Trauma Treatment.” Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 22(3), 358-375.

2. Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2020). “Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Treating Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 74, 102277.

3. Psychotherapy (2021). “EMDR Therapy for Trauma: The Role of Memory Reprocessing in Healing PTSD.” Psychotherapy, 58(2), 206-217.

4. Traumatology (2022). “EMDR as a Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Exploring its Mechanisms and Efficacy.” Traumatology, 28(4), 301-313.

5. Journal of Clinical Psychology (2021). “The Efficacy of EMDR Therapy in Treating Complex PTSD: A Comprehensive Review.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(7), 1673-1691.

6. European Journal of Psychotraumatology (2020). “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Trauma Therapy: A Review of Recent Research and Clinical Applications.” European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1803490.