Healing Trauma with EMDR: Transforming Pain, Reconnecting to Self, and Rewiring Beliefs
Trauma can linger in our minds and bodies and leave an impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. It influences our responses, relationships, and even the ways in which we attempt to shield ourselves from further pain. Often, in response to this pain, we exile the parts of ourselves that feel too overwhelming to face, such as our memories or beliefs about ourselves.
With EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, one can process the painful experiences or memories without getting so stuck in them. EMDR can be a transformative process for healing trauma.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR helps with processing and resolving traumatic memories that are “stuck” in the brain and often creating distress even long after the traumatic event itself has passed.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, it is not necessary in EMDR to repeatedly discuss the trauma in detail. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a more adaptive way and access more adaptive “networks” of information. It is one’s own brain that is doing the healing.
EMDR helps to take the painful experiences, reprocess them safely, in a structured way, and then reintegrate them so that they feel much less distressful.
How Trauma Interacts with “Parts”
When we experience trauma, we develop strategies or “parts” that are doing their best to protect us and create a sense of safety. Sometimes, this looks like shielding us from painful memories, emotions, or beliefs about the self. These parts that hold great pain, shame, or trauma and are often vulnerable, younger parts are what we refer to as “exiled parts.” Protector parts then show up to try and prevent our system from becoming too overwhelmed to function.
Some examples of these protector parts include:
Addictive parts, avoidant parts, dissociative parts, perfectionistic parts, codependent parts, inner critic parts, judgmental parts, justice-seeking parts, or rebellious/defiant parts.
Though these protector parts may have helped us survive and feel safe in the past during what we call “trauma time,” they can create difficulties and consequences in the present. In exploring these parts during EMDR, one may be able to increase access to the Self and allow for deeper healing as those protector parts can start to feel safe enough to take a step back.
The Benefits of EMDR for Healing Trauma
1. Reduces Emotional Intensity of Traumatic Events
Trauma memories may feel stuck in the time of the trauma which can trigger the same emotions and bodily sensations as if it were occurring in present time. EMDR helps to reprocess these memories to decrease the emotional burden. You’ll still remember the event, but the distress level will feel lower.
2. Improves Connection to the Self
By addressing those protector or exiled parts, EMDR helps to increase access to the Self, which is essentially a person’s true essence. This can help one reconnect to feelings of wholeness and self-acceptance. Instead of feeling fragmented or adrift, you can reclaim the parts of you that have been hidden away and begin to better understand, “who am I?
3. Rewires Negative Beliefs
Many trauma survivors develop core negative beliefs that are steeped in shame, such as “I am unsafe,” “I am unworthy,” or “I am unlovable.” EMDR aids in transforming these beliefs to new, adaptive ones that contribute to healing, such as “I am safe now” or “I am worthy.”
4. Improves Nervous System Regulation
Trauma is what happens inside of us as a result of what happens to us, and often the nervous system is greatly impacted. This can keep many people stuck in hyperarousal of fight or flight or hypoarousal of a freeze state. EMDR can help expand one’s Window of Tolerance to allow the nervous system to be more regulated. As a result, one may notice feeling calmer, more stable, and less impacted by previous triggers. This also creates improved emotional resilience.
5. Empowerment to Move Forward
The healing that happens through EMDR does not just resolve past trauma. It also lends itself to the ability to navigate life with increased clarity, confidence, curiosity, and self-compassion. In decreasing distress around traumatic memories and improving understanding of one’s own internal system of over-adaptive parts, you can allow space for new experiences, healthier relationships, and a renewed sense of hope.
EMDR Therapy Denver, Colorado
EMDR therapy was originally developed for trauma but is now being used to help people process breakups, let go of emotional pain, and move forward. Our skilled therapists at Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness can help can help you break free from emotional pain and reclaim your life. Follow the steps below to get started.
1. We encourage you to get to know a little bit about our therapists, their specializations, and their credentials. Get to know our therapists here.
2. If you think EMDR Therapy is for you, reach out to us! You can use our convenient online consultation scheduling here.
3. Begin the exciting journey of letting go of emotional pain, and move forward.
We hope to hear from you soon!
