EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
As a result of the observations, early disturbing experiences have long-term negative effects, just like major traumas. For example, when we talk about a negative event we experienced in our childhood, we notice that intense emotions and automatic negative thoughts arise. Because our brain has not been able to process this memory sufficiently, negative reactions occur automatically in similar current situations - even if we do not notice the trigger. When this memory is processed sufficiently, we remember the event, but we do not feel the old emotions and feelings as they were at that moment, and we can prevent its negative impact on the present.
The aim of therapy is not only to desensitize but also to reprocess the painful traumatic experience. This is perceived by the public as erasing memories or making them forget, but this perception is wrong. The aim is to identify memories that are thought to cause current symptoms and to change their negative effects with certain rules and programs. In other words, it is aimed to change the negative and irrational beliefs that the event creates in the person and to develop more harmonious and rational beliefs instead. In other words, it helps to turn negative experiences into instructive experiences, to desensitize oneself to current triggers, and to help the person gain the appropriate skills to use in the future in order to be successful in relationships.
As in every therapy method, EMDR therapy must be understood and how the person can be best prepared. A plan should be made according to personal needs.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms occur due to dysfunctional storage of experiences related to the traumatic event in the brain. Some of these include physical reactions such as nightmares, reliving the moment, visualizing images of the event, anxiety due to hyperarousal, and sudden startle. People may feel an exaggerated fear and helplessness that is inappropriate for their current situation. Similarly, embarrassing or disappointing events experienced in childhood negatively affect our current lives and perceptions, although not as much as the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. So negative There does not need to be a major traumatic event in the past for beliefs and perceptions to occur; the accumulation of small traumas can also cause many symptoms. Unprocessed memories seem to be locked with the emotions and thoughts experienced at that moment and are triggered in the present. These feelings; There may be a feeling of inadequacy, a feeling of inadequacy, a feeling of being unloved, insecurity and loss of control. The goal of EMDR is to process these memories and help the person to perceive the present objectively, independent of this burden.
Why and how is bidirectional stimulation given to process memories in EMDR?
Just as the wounds in our body are programmed to repair themselves in their natural course, psychological wounds can also be repaired by the brain. When traumatic events are stored without proper processing, the healing mechanism in its natural course cannot work, just like a physical wound cannot close when there are some substances in the wound that need to be cleaned and prevent repair. The purpose of EMDR is to help the brain store memories functionally so that it can activate its own repair mechanism. This is called adaptive computing. Studies have determined that giving bidirectional stimulation to the brain facilitates information processing. In EMDR, bilateral stimulation is provided with stimulation types such as eye movements (moving the eyes to the right and left), tapping (making light touch or vibration on the knees or palms) or sound (playing rhythmic sounds to the right and left ears through headphones). . This is decided according to the client's preferences and needs. Stimulation forms are simple movements that do not require a complex process. Although EMDR is known for its eye movements, eye movements are actually one of the forms of bidirectional stimulation. Bidirectional stimulation is only part of the process; EMDR, a comprehensive method, pays attention to images, thoughts, bodily sensations and emotions stored in memory.
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