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How Does EMDR Work?
When
a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in
time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the imatges, sounds, smells, and
feelings haven't changed. EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. It appears
to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and following a successful EMDR session,
a person no longer relives the images, sounds and feelings when the vent is brought to mind. You still remember what
happened, but it is less upsetting.
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What Happens in an EMDR Session?
One or more sessions are required for the therapist
to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is appropriate.
The therapist works with the client to identify a
specific problem and asks the client to call to mind a disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc.,
and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about the event. The therapist facilitates the dual attention stimulation
of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without
making any effort to control direction or content until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive
thoughts and beliefs about one's self.
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