How looking left-right could resolve traumatic memories
WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence based intervention that has an 80 to 90% success rate in helping traumas, both small and large, resolve into long term memory. EMDR is an eight step protocol that is results oriented. Though some stages in EMDR involve using eye movement, sounds, or taps to process traumas, every stage of EMDR is important. These stages include explaining what EMDR is, how it was founded, history taking, preparation, resourcing, getting clear about your current beliefs, evaluating emotions and sensation, and checking in with your beliefs after arriving at a new one.
Ongoing research by EMDR International Association makes EMDR one of the most helpful trauma interventions.
It is not exactly understood how EMDR works, but this intervention is able to access neural memory networks where memories of unresolved experiences are held. Once accessed, these memories can then become integrated and resolved.
It has been explained this way: Traumas are like little islands of unresolved memories that need to be brought into the mainland, Philip Manfield, PhD. Until this integration happens, it’s possible that we might bump into an experience, an island of memory, that will activate an old memory, and it is as though the original experience is happening once more.
EMDR is used for the treatment of anxiety, fears & phobias, addictions, childhood abuse, accidents, and developmental wounding.
Often Traumas resolve naturally, but when they do not, EMDR can help.
Traumas are a fact of life, they do not need to be a life sentence.