EMDR Use Beyond Trauma
By Tonya Nowlin, LPC
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is best know as an evidence based therapeutic intervention for treating trauma. EMDR isolates and targets maladaptive neural networks, that can present as negative core beliefs, which carry over and negatively impact other areas of our lives. Therapist can use EMDR beyond trauma and it can be applied to other diagnosis, such as phobias/anxieties, grief and addictions.
GRIEF
Someone struggling with grief may develop the negative core belief, “I should have done something,” “I’m powerless,” or “I’m abandoned.” These are thoughts that can carry over and hinder growth in our relationships or work. If a person views their world through the lens that they have no power or control, they may not speak up for themselves at work, which can snowball into other problems. EMDR/Bilateral Stimulation can be used to challenge that core belief, along with the strong emotions associated with it, and replace it. As an example, a person who feels they “should have done something,” may realize they did what they could, or maybe they can recognize what they can cannot control. These shifts in thought can allow individuals to grieve and process their loss in healthy ways.
PHOBIAS/ANXIETY
Someone with social anxiety may have the negative core belief, “I’m invisible” or “I’m not good enough.” In this example, an EMDR therapist can challenge those thoughts and reduce the unwanted emotions associated with those thoughts. Lastly, the therapist can help the client think of the situation and imagine themselves in future worst-case scenarios, feeling differently, while strengthening those positive neural networks with bilateral stimulation. Once treatment is complete, the client will no longer feel that anxiety in social situations.
ADDICTION
Someone who struggles with addiction may possess the core belief, “it’s not safe to feel,” or “I’m defective.” These thoughts would be treated in the same manner as the previous examples. What makes EMDR a stand-out treatment for addiction, is the ability to challenge triggers that lead to using and reduce the urges. EMDR can also be used to strengthen alternative behaviors and coping skills.