Unlocking Healing with EMDR: A Pathway to Emotional Freedom 

-by Afarin Sabokdel

In the world of mental health, finding effective therapies for trauma and emotional distress is crucial. One approach that has gained significant attention and proven results is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Whether you’re a potential client or a medical professional seeking better outcomes for your patients, understanding EMDR can open doors to profound healing. 

What is EMDR? 

EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized by leading health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA), for its effectiveness. 

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t rely solely on discussion. Instead, it involves a series of guided eye movements, taps, or sounds while the client focuses on specific traumatic memories. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge and enabling healthier responses. 

How Does EMDR Work? 

When a person is upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings have not changed. Such memories have a lasting negative impact that interferes with the way a person views the world and relates to other people.  

EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Following successful EMDR therapy, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. The individual remembers what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapies have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be like what happens naturally during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. 

What Is An Actual EMDR Session Like? 

During EMDR, the counsellor works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client is asked to remember the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event. The counsellor then asks the client to move their eyes by following the counsellor’s hands. Some clients might prefer tapping back and forth instead. This is called bilateral stimulation or dual attention stimulation of the brain. During this time, the client focuses on the difficult memory and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction of content. Each individual will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values. The counsellor and client will continue doing this over one or several sessions until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one’s self.  

During the EMDR session the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance. 

How EMDR Can Help with Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD?

EMDR has shown remarkable benefits for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. For those with depression, EMDR can help shift negative beliefs and feelings that have developed as a result of past experiences, leading to improved mood and self-esteem. When addressing anxiety, EMDR helps by processing the root causes, reducing its intensity, and allowing individuals to respond more calmly to stressors. In the case of PTSD, EMDR helps by reprocessing traumatic memories so that they no longer cause severe emotional distress. This approach allows individuals to move forward without being overwhelmed by past events, promoting a greater sense of control and emotional resilience.

Why Choose EMDR? 

1. Rapid Results 

EMDR can be more efficient than conventional therapy. While the timeline varies for each person, many clients report significant relief after just a few sessions. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking swift progress. 

2. Evidence-Based and Widely Respected 

EMDR has been rigorously tested and is backed by extensive research. It’s particularly effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related issues. For doctors, this means recommending a therapy with proven outcomes. 

3. Holistic Healing 

EMDR addresses the root cause of emotional pain rather than just managing symptoms. By reprocessing traumatic memories, clients often experience a deep, lasting sense of relief and improved emotional well-being. 

4. Minimal Talking Required 

For clients who struggle to verbalize their trauma, EMDR can be less daunting. The focus on eye movements and memory processing allows for healing without needing to delve deeply into details during each session. 

Who Can Benefit from EMDR? 

EMDR is effective for a wide range of issues, including: 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

• Anxiety and panic attacks 

• Depression 

• Phobias 

• Chronic pain 

• Grief and loss 

If you or your patients are struggling with these challenges, EMDR might be the breakthrough therapy needed to regain control and peace of mind. 

Why Choose Our Clinic for EMDR? 

At Pacific Waters Counselling, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, personalized care. Our certified EMDR therapists are experienced in guiding clients through their healing journey with empathy and expertise. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

If you’re curious about how EMDR can help you or your patients, we’re here to answer any questions and guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s unlock the door to emotional freedom together. 

Afarin Sabokdel is an RCC and CCC counsellor, an EMDR therapist, and holds an MA in Counselling Psychology. She has many years of experience helping people with either recent or past trauma and abuse. Afarin uses a wide range of therapy approaches to ensure that each client receives the support that they need for moving forward with their lives.