eli5 how does EMDR work to resolve trauma?
In: 7
When talking about a traumatic experience in a therapeutic setting you’re generally not trying to relive the experience, instead you focus how how it makes you feel and how it impacts your day-to-day life.
EMDR aims to bring the memory of the traumatic event to the forefront. The eye movement occupies certain parts of your brain, forcing your mind to focus less on your therapists reaction, your fidgeting, things in the room or the changes going on inside your body. Provided you feel you’re in a safe setting it will lower your guard, allowing you to dig deeper and access more detail.
By reliving and communicating these experiences on your own terms you gain a new perspective in a calmer state. The next time you feel triggered it should be easier to stabilise your emotions and move through it.
Latest Answers