It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. Studies show that EMDR therapy is gentler, faster, and more effective long-term than traditional talk-therapy modalities.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It uses the fourth stage of the sleep cycle, known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement sleep). Did you know that our brains are more active during 90 minutes of REM sleep than when we are awake for an entire day? During REM sleep, our eyes move side to side rapidly which assists the brain in unconsciously processing memories and information. EMDR mimics the REM sleep mechanisms in the brain to process (heal) traumatic memories or other types of complex life experiences such as abuse, sexual trauma, domestic violence, combat trauma, and attachment trauma. It’s important to note that while EMDR mimics REM sleep, the person receiving EMDR treatment is fully awake, conscious, and in complete control.

One of the primary factors that deters survivors of sexual abuse and/or sexual assault from receiving counseling treatment is not wanting to “re-live” the traumatizing memories. More often than not, those who have survived want to do everything in their power to avoid even the thoughts of their trauma, so they drop out of treatment before they reach full recovery.

EMDR is different from other treatment modalities because it does not require a person to speak the traumatic memories out loud, but allows the brain to rapidly move through the memories. EMDR processes the original memories that create distorted thinking and distressing emotions, and replaces them with healthier ones. The result of these changes is the reduction or elimination of unhealthy behaviors. To be clear, EMDR does not erase a person’s memories, it simply neutralizes the intensity of the emotions attached to them.

One of the reasons I enjoy utilizing EMDR in clinical practice is because the individual is in control and that in itself is empowering when control was taken in victimizing events.

It is important to understand, however, that EMDR is not a quick fix to life’s problems because it does take effort from the client – but it is worth it.