REWIRING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM WITH EMDR
As an EMDR therapist, part of my initial due diligence involves understanding my clients' previous therapy experiences. One recurring theme is the struggle with self-compassion exercises, which often feel hollow or inauthentic under the weight of daily shame and stressors. Suggestions like reciting affirmations or countering negative thoughts with positive ones can seem insubstantial or impossible to many clients.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory in Trauma and EMDR Therapy
Polyvagal Theory, which underpins EMDR therapy, provides insight into why these self-compassion practices can be challenging. Key concepts of the theory include:
Definition of Trauma: Trauma is any distressing event that creates an enduring negative impact on the self and body.
Storage of Traumatic Experiences: The components of a traumatic event—thoughts, feelings, images, smells, and sensations—are stored within the mind and body as they were experienced at the time of the event.
Nervous System Response: Trauma symptoms are a body's response to the nervous system being stuck in the past. Without adaptive processing, this "stuckness" makes it difficult to adopt positive outlooks on oneself, the world, and others in the present.
Polyvagal Theory helps us understand why clients may feel "stuck" and why self-compassion without proper support often feels inadequate. This theory highlights the importance of addressing the somatic (body-based) aspects of trauma to facilitate genuine self-compassion.
EMDR Therapy and Its Eight Phases
EMDR therapy consists of eight phases, with the initial phases focusing on understanding the impact of trauma and breaking it down into manageable parts.
Phase 1 - History Taking: Gathering background information and setting treatment goals.
Phase 2 - Preparation: Building a therapeutic relationship and preparing the client for EMDR processing.
Phase 3 - Assessment: Identifying negative self-beliefs related to the trauma and desired positive beliefs for the future.
Desensitization and Installation Phases in EMDR
Phase 4 - Desensitization: This phase involves processing targeted portions of the traumatic experience. Through guided sessions, the therapist helps the client neutralize distressing emotions, body sensations, and negative thoughts. This reduction in distress allows the client to reflect on the trauma with less emotional charge and without self-blame.
Phase 5 - Installation: After desensitization, this phase focuses on reinforcing positive beliefs. Using bilateral stimulation, the same tool used in desensitization, the therapist helps the client strengthen new, positive beliefs. Common phrases clients choose include:
I am lovable
I am good enough
I did the best I could
I can trust myself
I am now in control
I am capable
Why Positive Beliefs in EMDR Are More Effective
The effectiveness of positive beliefs in EMDR therapy lies in the prior processing of the trauma. Unlike self-compassion exercises that may feel insubstantial, EMDR therapy addresses the root of the trauma, allowing positive beliefs to take hold without competing with past trauma. This somatic processing creates room for genuine self-validation and a new perspective on the trauma.
Exploring EMDR Therapy Further
To understand more about how EMDR therapy can aid in trauma healing and facilitate genuine self-compassion, you can explore various resources and blogs on the subject. Learning about EMDR grounding techniques and self-fulfilling prophecies can provide further insights into the transformative potential of this therapy.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy, grounded in Polyvagal Theory, offers a structured and effective approach to trauma healing. By addressing the somatic aspects of trauma first, it enables clients to authentically adopt positive beliefs about themselves, leading to lasting self-compassion and healing. If you're interested in exploring EMDR therapy further, consider reaching out to an EMDR therapist for more information.