Our brains are an incredible organ. They work in a way that is similar to a computer. We receive information first through our five senses simply by existing in the environment we’re in. This information is stored in the Amygdala. The Amygdala is part of the limbic system which plays a role in all our autonomic functions; anything we do without thinking such as breathing, reacting to stimuli as we sense it and even regulating libido. This is the area of the brain that controls short term memory, emotion and survival, among other things. Anytime a person experiences a traumatic event their amygdala gets activated and remembers what that experience felt like both physically and emotionally. The corresponding thoughts and beliefs that are formed as a result of that experience are stored with that memory from the perspective of that age and particular moment in time. This process has been very beneficial to our survival as a species because our brains are programed to remind us of anything that feels (emotionally or physically) similar to that event so that we will react in a protective way (fight or flight). This is the case for all types of trauma no matter how big or small. Similar to a smoke detector, our amygdala does not differentiate between burnt toast or a house fire. If it senses smoke it sets off the alarm. This is the cause of the symptoms that have been termed PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Here is the good news: we can reset the smoke detector. When we sleep at night our brains work hard to process information so that we can understand and integrate it. Research indicates that the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep is the most important, and only phase of sleep, that moves information in our brain in this way. During this phase of sleep our brain is making connections with other areas of the brain that weren’t there before. This is significant because the frontal lobe is the area of our brain in charge of problem solving, rational thinking, judgement, impulse control and even time/space orientation (this happened then and is not actually happening now). This is the portion of the brain that can determine whether the sensory information we received was in fact dangerous like a house fire or neutral like burnt toast. It is also the part of our brain that can use logic to remind us of why we responded the way we did.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses non-invasive bi-lateral brain stimulation, typically watching a light move across your field of vision without moving your head, to mimic the REM phase of sleep while you are awake. This allows you to be fully aware and conscious of the memories you have stored that you would ordinarily be unaware of at a conscious level. When we help your brain connect that memory and the corresponding negative beliefs to your frontal lobe we can integrate what you know now and change the negative beliefs.

EMDR is different than traditional talk therapy but symptom reduction often occurs at a much faster pace.  The results my clients have had over the years have made this a passion of mine. If you think EMDR might be a good option for you check out the links below for more information, call or email me and let’s talk. There is hope and relief could be right around the corner!

More info @ EMDRIA