What Is An EMDR Session Like?
EMDR uses horizontal eye movements, similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming, or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This horizontal movement is thought to cause the alternating bilateral stimulation of the brain that facilitates the healing process. Other forms of bilateral stimulation can also be used, include alternating hand tapping or alternating tones heard through a headset.
The client recalls an upsetting issue or event, the feelings associated with the event, and a negative belief about the self. A set (or round) of bilateral stimulation is introduced. The sets of bilateral stimulation may last from 24 seconds to several minutes, depending on the client’s response. After the completion of each set, the client is asked to take a deep breath, let it go and notice what comes to awareness. After attending to what comes to mind spontaneously, and giving a short description, another set of bilateral stimulation is applied. Sets of eye movements or bilateral tapping, continues until the memory or issue is less disturbing. When the processing of an event is complete, and the client feels no disturbance, sets of bilateral stimulation are used to integrate a positive belief about the self, regarding the incident or issue.
When the desensitization phase is complete, the client is once again asked to bring the original incident to awareness and scan the body for any residual tension, etc. If disturbing sensations are noticed, sets of bilateral stimulation are applied until the sensation subsides and a positive feeling or emotion is experienced.
An EMDR session will often end with the visualization of a pre-determined comfortable place that the client has chosen. The comfortable place protocol eases the transition between EMDR processing and session closure. The comfortable place visualization is accompanied by short sets of bilateral stimulation that enhance feelings of safety and calm. Several sets are applied until the client is feeling relaxed and peaceful.