Trauma and EMDR Therapy
Kala Johnson, MA, LPC
Whenwe hear the word trauma often images of horrific car accidents, weather related disaster, death of a loved one, or other catastrophictragedies come to mind. Because we all have our own experiences andworldviews, trauma in today’s language is very personal. It is interesting tonote that the original Greek derivative for trauma means wound.
Anewer, more robust definition of trauma is defined as anything less thannurturing. Two categories of trauma are spoken of today in thepsychological world: Trauma with a capital “T,” defined as the large,catastrophic type injury that is a one-time event with long-lastingconsequences the effects of which can cause, among other things, post-traumaticstress disorder symptoms. On the other hand, trauma with a lower case or little“t” is more specific to daily exposure to events that exceed our capacity tocope and cause a disruption in emotional functioning. These distressingevents may or may not be life-threatening, but perhaps better described asemotionally-threatening due to the individual being left feeling helplessness.Some examples of small ‘t’ traumas include:
· Conflict with significant othersor children
· Emotional/verbalneglect/abuse experienced as a child or adult
· Abruptor extended relocation/move
· Planninga wedding
· Startinga new job
· Havingor adopting a child
· Legaltrouble
· Financialworries or difficulty
· Panicattacks
· Socialanxiety
· Divorce/Infidelity
Whendisturbing experiences happen, they are stored in the brain with all thesights, sounds, thoughts and feelings that accompany it. When a person is veryupset, the brain seems to be unable to process the experience as it wouldnormally. Therefore, the negative thoughts and feelings of the traumatic eventare "trapped" in the brain stem. Since the brain stem cannot processthese emotions, the experience and/or its accompanying feelings are oftensuppressed from everyday life. However, the distress lives on in the nervoussystem where it causes disturbances in the emotional functioning of theperson. As a result, therapy to aidthese types of Trauma and trauma can be difficult. However, Eye Movement Desensitization andReprocessing) therapy is proving to be beneficial.
EMDR therapy does two very important things.First, it unlocks the negative memories and emotions stored in the brain stemand moves them to the part of the brain that cane make sense of the memories,and second, it helps the brain to successfully process the experience. The therapist works gently with the client, guiding him or her to revisitthe negative beliefs and images associated with the distress. When the memoryis brought to mind, the feelings are re-experienced in a new way. EMDR makes itpossible to gain the self-knowledge and perspective that will enable the clientto choose their actions, rather than feeling powerless over their re-actions.This process can be complex if there are many experiences connected to thenegative feelings. The EMDR therapy sessions continue until the traumaticmemories and emotions are relieved.
EMDRsessions work amazingly fast. Processing even the most difficult memories canbe achieved in a fraction of the time it would have taken with traditionaltherapy.Traditional therapiesoften focus on memories from the unconscious mind, and then analyze theirmeaning to gain insight into the problem. EMDR clients also acquire valuableinsights during therapy, but EMDR can short-cut the process and go right to thereleasing stage.
The positive, long-termresults of EMDR therapy affect all levels of the client's well-being: mental, emotional and physical, so that their responses return tonormalcy and health. Studies consistentlyshow that treatment with EMDR result in elimination distressful emotions andtriggers. The memory remains but the negative experiences associatedneutralize.