How Does the Brain Respond to EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a type of therapy that can help accelerate someone's natural healing state, especially when that individual may have unresolved past trauma.

One of the main benefits of EMDR therapy is that a person doesn't have to talk about or relive the traumatic event over and over again. Instead, EMDR works to reprocess those memories that won't affect you as much moving forward with the help of bilateral stimulation.

The bilateral stimulation in EMDR is often done through eye movements or tapping. This process allows the brain to process memories in a similar way to how it processes memories during the REM cycle of sleep.

We know how EMDR works, but what actually happens within the brain during this process? This is how the brain responds to EMDR.

Bilateral Stimulation

During the reprocessing phase of EMDR, a therapist will work with their client to complete a body scan. The client will think about a specific memory while paying attention to the physical sensations occurring within the body.

As a client is navigating this, the therapist will work to apply bilateral stimulation. This action is thought to be able to bypass any neurological pathways associated with the trauma that may be stuck. The eye movements or hand tapping work to help reprocess that memory until the anxiety and stress levels decrease. Once the brain is able to reprocess this memory, a person won't feel as held back or affected by it.

The Amygdala

The amygdala is the part of the brain that is responsible for a person's emotions, learning, and memories. It works to process emotions, detect any potential threats, and helps to process positive memories. When a person is exposed to potential threats, the amygdala goes into defense mode. Trauma can cause the amygdala to experience structural changes that can make it more sensitive and hyperactive to stressors. EMDR helps to reduce this hyperactivity, which can also help to reduce a person's anxiety and stress levels.

The Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for making decisions, solving problems, and organizing memories. When the prefrontal cortex is exposed to trauma, it has a harder time functioning in its normal operating state. This can impair how a person thinks and responds to certain situations and can even bring on additional signs and symptoms, such as impulsivity and flashbacks.

During EMDR, the prefrontal cortex is able to become more active again, so individuals can process and sort through their memories in a more effective way.

Brain Connectivity

Trauma can also alter the connectivity within the brain, which can lead to other mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. EMDR therapy helps to improve that brain connectivity again. When different regions of the brain are engaged during the sessions, it helps to promote better communication between the different hemispheres of the brain. This improved connection allows for a more balanced approach to processing emotions.

Memory Reconsolidating

EMDR helps to trigger the process of memory reconsolidation. Memory reconsolidation is a neurological process that helps to modify memories after they are retrieved in the brain. This process helps to restructure memories and emotions associated to create overall healthier memories.

Next Steps

EMDR is still a fairly new practice, especially when compared to more traditional forms of therapy. Despite it being relatively new, it has already seen a lot of great benefits for clients. EMDR helps to reduce signs and symptoms, better manage one's emotions, improve communication, and increase self-esteem, just to name a few. Interested in learning more about EMDR? We're here to help! Reach out today.