EMDR is an innovative psychotherapy effective for both PTSD and the more nuanced, complicated trauma or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Unlike singular traumatic events, complicated trauma arises from prolonged, repeated encounters, especially during formative years. It challenges not just memories but also emotional regulation and self-worth.
EMDR harnesses the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, addressing how trauma can get “stuck” in memory. This process involves using bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, to activate the brain’s natural healing capabilities. This helps reprocess traumatic memories, easing their emotional intensity and reducing symptoms.
Table of Contents
EMDR’s Eight Phases and Adaptations for Complicated Trauma
1. History-Taking and Treatment Planning
Embarking on the EMDR journey for C-PTSD starts with a thorough assessment. Your therapist will delve deep into your extensive trauma history, current symptoms, and what you hope to achieve. This collaborative effort helps pinpoint numerous “target memories” that form the foundation for your healing path.
2. Preparation (Resourcing and Stabilization)
Building a solid foundation is crucial before diving into the heart of trauma work. For those dealing with C-PTSD, this means learning essential coping skills and mastering emotional regulation techniques. Picture creating a “safe/calm place” through visualization or practicing grounding exercises to manage distress effectively.
3. Assessment
In the assessment phase, you’ll pinpoint a “target memory”—think of it as a snapshot of your trauma. This involves a vivid image and a negative belief about yourself tied to that memory. This step sets the stage for the transformative work EMDR therapy offers.
4. Desensitization
During desensitization, you focus intensely on a distressing memory while your therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps. This encourages you to notice any thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations that arise. Gradually, the emotional charge linked to that memory eases, bringing relief.
5. Installation
Creating a safe, comfortable environment is essential for effective EMDR therapy. Find a space where you feel secure and free from distractions. This setting helps you focus and engage with the therapy process, making it a crucial step in addressing complicated trauma effectively.
6. Body Scan
During the body scan, you’ll focus on any lingering physical tension or sensations tied to the original trauma. It’s like a gentle self-check to see if your body holds onto stress. This awareness can help release stress and aid in your healing process.
7. Closure
EMDR therapy offers a path to closure by encouraging the brain to process traumatic memories in new ways. It helps transform emotional distress into peaceful understanding. By reprocessing these memories, you can find relief from the hold of past trauma, paving the way for healing.
8. Reevaluation
Reevaluation in EMDR therapy is like hitting the refresh button on your mental browser. After processing, you revisit the trauma with new insights. It’s about understanding how your feelings have shifted and embracing the change. This phase encourages growth, resilience, and a renewed outlook.
Key Adaptations for Complex Trauma
- Extended Stabilization: When dealing with complex trauma, it’s crucial to spend more time stabilizing emotions. This helps ensure you feel secure and capable of managing distress outside therapy sessions.
- Emphasis on Resource Development: Therapists focus on building up your internal resources, like resilience and self-compassion, fostering a connection with a grounded, adult self.
- Careful Pacing: To avoid overwhelming emotional responses, sessions may be shorter, or processing might occur in small, manageable steps.
- Addressing Dissociation: Dissociative symptoms are common in complex trauma. Therapists work to integrate fragmented aspects of the self, reducing disruption during memory processing.
- Thematic Processing: Instead of focusing on single events, therapists tackle broader themes of trauma, such as feeling controlled or abandoned, which shape negative beliefs.
When delivered by a trained therapist, EMDR provides a powerful, structured path for processing complicated trauma. It helps alleviate distressing symptoms and fosters a more integrated self, leading to healthier relationships. Ready to begin healing? Book a consultation for EMDR therapy today to learn more.
