Re:How EMDR Works

Hi Like you when I was first approached with the idea of EMDR I had many questions and to satisfy my one need for understanding and yes control, I sought out as much information as I could. The following are what I feel are good explanations of the process of EMDR. The BehaveNet Capsules goes into details of the e stages of EMDR. I hope this helps you, or at least is a place to get you started.
How It Works
EMDR is induced by having the client track the therapist's fingers side to side. When his or her eyes move left their right-brain is stimulated, when their eyes move right, the left brain is activated. This bilateral stimulation can also be elicited by alternating tactile stimulation or tones to the ears. The left/right stimulations are delivered while the person simultaneously holds a 'freeze-frame' image of the worst memory of a traumatic event, and the associated distorted negative self-belief (eg., it was my fault; I am worthless; I can never be safe again) together with the emotions and body sensations which arise. The client is then instructed to uncritically follow his or her associations. This process tends to lead to memory retrieval and rapid insights, accompanied by desensitization. At the end of the procedure, the person is then able to believe deep down that the crisis is in the past, they were not responsible, they are safe now, and they can go on with their lives. This results in a person finally letting go and entering a profound recovery and healing process.
Reference: David Grand http://www.biolateral.com/emdr.htm

Other site that may prove helpful in understanding the actual process:
BehaveNet-Clinical Capsules a simple but good exploration of EMDR and the 8 steps involved.
http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/treatments/psychorx/emdr.htm

This site by SEAOX- AIR Medical has good articles re: EMDR
http://www.seaox.com/emdr.html

A somewhat obnoxious but factual explanation of the 8 steps and EMDR
http://home.fuse.net/jburik/emdr.html

Replies:

Re:How EMDR Works, by Marcy, 10/24/00 Re:How EMDR Works, by Denise, 10/24/00 Re:How EMDR Works, by Marcy, 10/25/00

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