When a person is very distressed, the brain is processing the experience and this often causes confusion. Therefore when we experience traumatic or distressing events, the memories of these events may not be properly processed or stored in the part of the brain where our normal memories are stored.
These memories may not feel like they are fully in the past and can be easily triggered causing ongoing distress. When thinking of the memory it’s as if we are re-experiencing the feelings, thoughts, beliefs and physical sensations that occurred at the time of event. When we think of these memories we can experience very strong emotions or we can shut down so that we feel nothing.
What is EMDR and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps to process these distressing memories and store them in the right place. After EMDR therapy, the memory of the event is still there however it is less distressing. The person no longer feels as if they are re-living the images, sounds and feelings of the memory.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is an effective and evidenced based psychotherapy that can help people recover from trauma and other distressing events. It is also a useful therapy to support people who are living with a range of mental health issues such as phobias, depression, anxiety and addictions.