Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained significant recognition as an effective treatment for trauma and various mental health conditions. If you’re considering EMDR, it’s natural to have questions about what your first session will look like. This blog will guide you through the process, helping you prepare for your journey toward healing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation – typically through guided eye movements – to assist people in reprocessing traumatic experiences. This therapy can alleviate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other issues linked to trauma.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, a theory that explains how our brains organise and store memories.
In the case of ordinary experiences, memories are stored seamlessly in the brain and interconnected with other related memories. However, during distressing or traumatic events, this networked storage fails to function properly. The brain may go “offline,” resulting in a disconnect between your sensory experiences (what you feel, hear, or see) and how those experiences are encoded in memory.
As a result, trauma memories are often stored in a way that prevents effective healing. Trauma can be likened to a wound that has not been allowed to mend; without the opportunity to heal, your brain may not recognise that the threat has passed.
During EMDR therapy, you engage with traumatic memories using targeted techniques. By incorporating eye movements and guided instructions, you can revisit these memories, allowing for a fresh processing of the negative experience.
This reprocessing aims to “heal” the mental distress associated with those memories. As you recall the events, the experience will feel less like you are re-experiencing the trauma, making the accompanying emotions far easier to handle.
Preparing for Your First EMDR Session
Before beginning EMDR, you will typically have an initial consultation with your therapist. This session is crucial for establishing a therapeutic relationship and understanding your specific needs. During this meeting, you can expect:
– Discussion of Your History: Your therapist will ask about your medical history, past traumas, and current symptoms. This information helps them tailor the EMDR process to your individual situation.
– Setting Goals: Together, you will identify what you hope to achieve through EMDR therapy. This could range from reducing anxiety symptoms to processing a specific traumatic event.
– Explaining the Process: Your therapist will outline what to expect during EMDR sessions, addressing any concerns you may have.
What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session
- Setting the Stage
Your first EMDR session will start in a comfortable, safe environment where you can feel at ease. Your therapist will create a calming atmosphere, which is essential for the effectiveness of the therapy.
- Identifying Target Memories
In EMDR, specific memories are targeted for processing. During your initial sessions, your therapist will guide you in identifying which memory you want to focus on. This might involve:
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- Choosing a Memory: You will discuss significant memories that cause distress or discomfort. Your therapist will help you prioritise which memory to address first.
- Exploring Associated Thoughts and Feelings: Expect to discuss the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations linked to the chosen memory.
- Bilateral Stimulation
One of the key components of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which involves using guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. In your first session, you may:
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- Experience BLS Techniques: Your therapist will introduce you to bilateral stimulation, which could involve following their fingers with your eyes, following a light bar with your eyes, or listening to alternating sounds.
- Processing the Memory
This stage is know as the desensitization phase. This phase involves:
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- Staying Present: Your therapist will encourage you to focus on the memory while also guiding your eye movements.
- Noticing Physical Sensations: As you process the memory, pay attention to any physical sensations that arise.
- Closing the Session
At the end of your first EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through a closure phase. This step is crucial to ensure you leave feeling grounded and stable. You can expect:
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- Debriefing: Your therapist will discuss your experience during the session, allowing you to share your feelings and thoughts.
- Coping Strategies: They may teach you grounding techniques to use between sessions, helping you manage any emotional distress.
After Your First Session: What to Expect
Emotional Responses
It’s common to experience a range of emotions after your first EMDR session. You might feel:
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- Relief: You may feel lighter after discussing and processing a traumatic memory.
- Emotional Distress: Some individuals experience heightened emotions or physical sensations as the therapy begins to take effect.
Self-Care Practices
To support your healing process after the session, consider incorporating self-care practices. These might include:
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- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process the experience further.
- Mindfulness Exercises: Engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques can help ground you and reduce anxiety.
What’s Next?
Ongoing Sessions
Your EMDR journey will involve multiple sessions, with each one building on the previous ones. Your therapist will work with you to:
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- Continue Processing: Each session will focus on different memories and experiences, gradually reducing distress.
- Monitor Progress: Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Trusting the Process
Healing from trauma takes time, and everyone’s journey is unique. Remember:
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- Be Patient with Yourself: Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to experience ups and downs.
- Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your therapist about your experiences and feelings throughout the process.
