EMDR Therapy in Toronto

Because you can’t think your way out of a feeling

What is EMDR Therapy?

When we are faced with overwhelming emotional distress or trauma, our brain's ability to make sense of our experience is greatly diminished.

Our brain could be thought of as a computer who’s job it is to take the inputs - all the information our senses are picking up from the world - and organize them into one cohesive output - our experience of the world.

Trauma could be thought of as anything that overwhelms our brain’s computing powers.

With our bandwidth exceeded, information processing stops, leaving the inputs disorganized and the output fragmented and incomplete. And it is that disorganized, fragmented and incomplete memory state that prevents us from moving on. The brain can’t make sense of things, and so it continues to loop.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique that facilitates information processing in the brain. By activating parts of the brain that are involved in memory processing and consolidation, EMDR helps the brain to sort through the disorganization and make sense of the experience. When used during therapeutic reprocessing of a distressing experience, EMDR helps to integrate previously unprocessed information and resolve left-over emotional remnants.

How EMDR works

EMDR therapy is a specialized psychotherapy method designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories. It’s particularly effective for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and more.

Instead of traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses a technique where the therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while recalling distressing experiences. These movements activate the brain’s natural information processing system, allowing your system to reprocess negative memories, reducing their emotional impact and shifting how they are stored in your brain.

Learn more about The Neuroscience of EMDR

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful tool for healing and resolving past traumas and can help individuals move forward in their lives with more peace and resilience. EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals cope with and overcome past traumatic experiences. This method has been shown to be highly effective for trauma survivors, providing a secure and nurturing environment for the body to heal and recover.

Here are some of the benefits of somatic EMDR therapy:

1. Rapid Results: Somatic EMDR therapy is a short-term treatment that aims to produce rapid results. Often, patients experience relief within only a few sessions.

2. Increased Self-Awareness: Somatic EMDR therapy can enhance a patient's self-awareness and promote a deeper understanding of their emotions and reactions to specific circumstances. This newfound awareness can enable individuals to manage their thoughts and feelings more effectively.

3. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Individuals who receive somatic EMDR therapy may notice a substantial decrease in their anxiety and depression symptoms. This can result in a better mood, enhanced energy levels, and improved mental well-being overall.

4. Reduced Flashbacks and Nightmares: If you're struggling with intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares due to traumatic experiences, somatic EMDR therapy may be particularly effective for you. This type of therapy can assist in processing and overcoming these symptoms, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.

5. Improved Relationships: Experiencing trauma can have a negative effect on an individual's relationships with others. With the help of somatic EMDR therapy, patients can gain a better understanding of their behaviours and responses in relationships and ultimately develop healthier and more fulfilling connections with others..

What to Expect During EMDR

Each EMDR session follows a structured approach to ensure a safe and effective healing process. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Step 1: Understanding Your Story

In your first session, your therapist will work closely with you to gather your history and understand the traumatic or challenging experiences you want to address. This helps in forming a tailored plan for your therapy.

Step 2: Preparing for EMDR

For some, preparing for EMDR can be as simple as explaining how EMDR works and answering any questions you have, so that you feel ready to proceed.

For others, preparing for EMDR may take a few sessions, as we work through certain exercises and resources to ensure you and your system are able to access the difficult experiences in a way that feels safe and healing.

Step 3: Reprocessing Trauma

During reprocessing, you’ll focus on the distressing experience while the therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation. This process allows your brain to reframe and process the memory, reducing its emotional intensity over time. This phase includes a few steps:

• Targeting distressing experiences: We help identify specific memories, triggers or emotions that continue to cause emotional pain or discomfort.

• Bilateral stimulation: To faciliate reprocessing, you’ll follow the therapist’s finger movements with your eyes while focusing on the traumatic memory. Other forms of stimulation, like tapping or auditory tones, can also be used.

• Reprocessing: As the sessions progress, the memory will become less distressing, and new, positive associations will replace the previous emotional charge.

Step 4: Integration

Once the reprocessing is complete, you’ll work with your therapist to integrate your new, healthier responses into daily life. Many clients describe feeling lighter, less burdened, and more in control after just a few sessions.

Learn more in our Primer for Patients

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’re tired of reliving painful memories or feeling emotionally paralyzed by your past, EMDR might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Integrative Psychotherapy Toronto, we have seen the transformative power of EMDR therapy firsthand. Whether you are dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression, we can guide you through a compassionate and personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.

Learn more about EMDR & Anxiety