How EMDR helps the brain process when talking can't

Talk, talk, talk...is that all there is?

When most people think of therapy, they think of talk therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy. While talking and verbally processing can be the best route of treatment for many people, it’s not for everyone.

If we transport ourselves back to a park in 1987, a psychologist by the name of Francine Shapiro was walking and reflecting on some of her stressful experiences. As she was reflecting, her eyes moved from left to right as she looked at her surroundings. When she became aware of what her eyes were doing, she noticed she felt better, more relaxed. She then began using this eye movement with others and started to formally study the effects.

It might sound surprising,

“Eye movements? That’s really going to help me?”

Yes! And the science behind it is pretty amazing.

“Bilateral stimulation” means working both sides of the brain at the same time. You can try it now: pat your head and rub your stomach. Connecting our emotional right side of the brain with the logical left side helps make sense of overwhelming experiences.

The left side of your brain helps soothe the right side during and after a bad or traumatic experience. If that does not happen, the brain starts adapting the best way it knows how. Like a scratched CD or corrupted file, things start to change, and you can’t fully move on from that point. Specific memories, smells, places, body sensations, and other triggers can constantly bring you back to that stressful experience or stuck point.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps “fix the scratch” on the CD or the corrupted file by saving the memory in a new, more productive way. When you remember the stressful experience, you don’t just talk about it - you feel it and notice it, without having to retell every detail out loud.

You might notice a lump in your throat, pain in your head, or your mind drifting to another memory. You simply go with it, while your therapist guides you through the process at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

The therapist will give you a few options for how to engage in bilateral stimulation. This could be tapping your knees or feet left and right repeatedly, or following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. There are many methods, and your therapist will help find the right fit for your situation.

Once you begin thinking about the experience, your therapist will check in with you and provide prompts from time to time. You don’t need to say more than a few words, sometimes nothing at all. It’s not about talking; it’s about feeling and re-experiencing in a safe way.

This allows you to feel or mentally say the things you weren’t able to during the initial experience, and then rewrite what that experience made you believe about yourself, the world, or other people. It can also help with everyday stress that feels stuck, like constant overwhelm or reacting more strongly than you want to.

If you were in a car accident and broke your arm, you might start telling yourself things like,

“I am dumb,” “I can’t do anything right,” or “I don’t deserve nice things.”

With EMDR, we work on “installing,” or rewriting, those thoughts into more helpful beliefs such as,

“I am capable,” “I do things right all the time,” and “I deserve nice things.”

Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or addiction, EMDR can be one of many therapeutic options to help you move forward. Reach out to TriCity Family Services to explore our affordable therapy and treatment options:

www.tricityfamilyservices.org or 630.232.1070

---

About the Author:

Danielle Slyder, LCPC, ATR Clinical Supervisor at TriCity Family Services

Danielle Slyder is the Clinical Supervisor at TriCity Family Services (TCFS) and has been supporting the mental health needs of the community for over a decade. She currently provides clinical supervision, continuing education opportunities, and guidance to the providers and interns of TCFS. Danielle has experience working with a wide range of individuals, families, and groups.

In particular, Danielle has extensive experience with attachment and trauma-based issues, including adoption and foster care. She is an avid advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and individuals struggling with gender and sexual orientation. She believes in creating a supportive environment and an open mind to all. She utilizes therapies such as TF-CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy.

Danielle seeks to support families and individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, ADHD, behavioral issues, and many other struggles. She believes therapy provides an opportunity to unlock the change and strength we have within.

Danielle received her Master’s in Counseling with a specialty in Art Therapy from Adler School of Professional Psychology. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Art Therapist (ATR), and LENS neurofeedback provider. On Danielle’s time off, she can be found camping, traveling, watching comedy sketches, painting, and jamming out to music! Learn more about therapy and other support initiatives at TriCity Family Services at tricityfamilyservices.org