I have written about the benefits of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in the past but watching a webinar from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk yesterday prompted me to revisit this topic.
EMDR is a trauma processing technique. It involves keeping the trauma in mind while looking at the therapist’s fingers. I have experienced EMDR to be incredibly successful, especially for adult-onset or recent trauma.
I have wondered what the underlying mechanism why EMDR works so well is and thought it was maybe a combination of prolonged exposure and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). It also brings in a bit of mindfulness practice.
According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, who was involved with the most extensive study on EMDR, EMDR reconnects the brain’s circuitry by calming down the insula. It also reconnects pathways to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, resulting in the brain understanding that the trauma is in the past.
After being treated with EMDR, the patient can have an integrated story of the trauma and know it is over.
Contact us for more information about EMDR or to book an appointment.