The core idea behind EMDR is that emotional disturbance arises from unprocessed or dysfunctionally stored memories, which lead to emotional, social, and neurological dysregulation. EMDR aims to bring these unresolved memories into conscious awareness and process them using dual attention stimuli, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This process allows the individual to reframe and integrate the memory into a narrative that reduces emotional disturbance and improves regulation.
The presenter explains the concept of having one foot in the present and one foot in the past during the processing of traumatic memories. This balance allows clients to stay grounded while engaging with the memory, which helps avoid re-traumatization and promotes healing. The use of dual attention stimuli supports this process, enabling the brain to “cook” and resolve the memory by alternating between experiencing the memory and returning to the present.
The video also touches on emerging neuroscientific findings, such as the thickening of the hippocampus after EMDR sessions, which shows the therapy’s profound effects on brain structure and functioning.
This video is ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of EMDR therapy and its role in processing trauma.