EMDR Trauma Targets
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“You can’t hit a target if you don’t know what it is”
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of psychotherapy used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. EMDR involves focusing on a past memory in a very specific way, which often reduces the way that memory affects the person in the present. Although it was originally found to be a very effective treatment for PTSD, currently it is used for all types of mental health concerns.
Types of Trauma treated with EMDR
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In the past, trauma was considered an event, something that happened to you. This is obviously still true but doesn’t tell the whole story. Trauma is now defined as an event that overwhelms the brain's ability to adapt to it. It is more than just the event, it is that particular individual's reaction to the event, and the way it is stored in his/her brain. The way a person's brain responds is likely impacted by numerous factors that contribute to the risk factors and resilience factors of that individual. This is why two people can go through a similar event and be affected very differently.
“Sometimes small memories cover a large part of our heart!”
trauma types
Trauma can be broken down into several different types. In the mental health field we often designate them as Acute, Chronic, Complex and Vicarious/Secondary.
Acute Trauma- Acute trauma results from a single distressing event. This is typically thought of as an automobile accident, natural disaster, assault or other similar events.
Chronic Trauma- Chronic trauma is more repeated or longer term distressing events. This would be domestic violence, long-term illness or some other exposure. It is the disturbing continuous nature of the trauma that causes severe negative impacts and psychological distress.
Complex Trauma- Complex trauma involves multiple and varied trauma often occurring over a long period of time. It often starts in childhood and examples might be child abuse, neglect or witnessing violence over long periods of time. Complex trauma might be viewed as having the most impact on a person's development and functioning due to both the varied and consistent nature of the trauma.
Vicarious/Secondary Trauma- Vicarious trauma, also referred to as secondary trauma is the exposure of trauma experienced by others. This is typically found in first responders, doctors, therapists, and social workers who work with trauma survivors. The repeated nature and long term exposure to these incidents can negatively impact the person's mental health.
How does EMDR Help with Trauma?
The impact of a traumatic event can be profound, because it changes how we view ourselves or the world around us. This is why EMDR can be an effective treatment even if your experiences do not fit into one of those trauma categories listed above. Past hurtful experiences can also impact our world view. An example of this might be an impactful interaction with an unkind teacher, abusive coach or extended family member at an impressionable age. Again, it is not the event but the meaning that we take away from the event.
EMDR helps map out all of the memories that significantly impact how a person's views self and/or the world. Often these memories have themes around survival, control, responsibility, worth, competency or vulnerability. A person who experienced emotional neglect in childhood might have thoughts of “My needs don’t matter” or “I’m unimportant”. This is significant because when we think about something over and over, it becomes a belief. We carry these beliefs with us as we navigate the world. The beliefs often exist under our conscious awareness and usually go unchecked.
This is the dynamic behind what we often refer to as “trigger”. If a person grew up in an environment that did not meet their basic needs, they might carry the core belief “My needs don't matter” from that early life experience. Fast forward to adulthood in environments completely unrelated, let's say employment with a boss, this belief can get triggered and cause an intense reaction to the current situation. This reaction is often fueled by that past hurtful learning. EMDR can help facilitate healing because it helps a person reevaluate the original source of that early hurtful experience, and reflect on it from their current perspective. This can be very powerful.
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What to expect during Phase 1 of EMDR treatment
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe”
Phase 1 of EMDR treatment is all about the memories. By looking at the present concern and identifying the negative belief an EMDR therapist can help you identify themes and patterns. These themes or patterns are often in the form of behaviors, emotions, thoughts or sensations. It is a very profound scavenger hunt for past hurt through memories. This process will often reveal how different memories or experiences often feed into each other. For example, if someone has a negative belief, “My needs don't matter” they might be more inclined to attach to a partner who treats them poorly, and less likely to stick up for those needs. This relationship builds more content or “evidence” that that belief is true. It is important to get curious about those present day “triggers” because they point towards the direction of EMDR memory targets. One way to do that is to keep a trigger log. An example of a trigger log can be found below.
Self awareness around triggers and the role that past hurt plays in our current lives is the first step to meaningful change. If you struggle with difficult patterns and past trauma, it might be helpful to meet with a certified EMDR therapist. An EMDR therapist can provide a safe place for you to work through difficult thoughts and feelings fueling that pattern. If you are looking for this type of support, or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by clicking the button below.