How EMDR Works for Depression
When it comes to depression, the many treatment options can be overwhelming. Antidepressants, lifestyle changes, and several therapeutic approaches research-proven to effectively treat depression. One therapy that has recently come into focus as a treatment for depression is EMDR, which was originally developed to help people heal from trauma. Now, we’ve found it helps with anxiety and depression as well. Continue reading to see how EMDR helps with depression.
What is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach best known for its success in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lately, research has shown it can also be effective for other mental health issues, including anxiety, phobias, and depression.
EMDR is based on the premise that negative experiences, especially traumatic ones, can be “improperly” stored in the brain. These “stuck” memories and emotions can keep causing distress and trauma symptoms, even years after the traumatic event. By processing these memories, EMDR helps the brain rewire itself. The traumatic memory no longer negatively affects a person’s mental health.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy has eight phases:
History taking and treatment planning
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body scan
Closure
Reevaluation
The heart of the treatment (and where its name comes from) involves bilateral stimulation during the desensitization and installation phases. This means guided eye movements from side to side, tapping, or auditory tones from one ear to the other. This bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the target traumatic memory.
While researchers are still looking into the exact mechanisms of EMDR, many believe that it mimics the brain’s natural process of consolidating memories during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The goal of EMDR is not to erase memories, but rather to change how the brain stores them so they no longer cause distress.
EMDR and its effects on depression
So how does EMDR specifically help those with depression? While depression can often be due to chemical imbalances, it’s also frequently caused by negative life experiences, unresolved traumas, and deeply held beliefs about oneself. Even people who are genetically predisposed to depression might only develop it after a bad experience such as grief or trauma. EMDR helps depression in several ways:
Reprocessing traumatic memories
Like PTSD, depression can be fueled by unresolved traumas. These might not be “big T” traumas like physical abuse or a car accident, but could also include “small T” traumas—experiences that were emotionally significant and left a lasting impact. Since EMDR helps rewire how these memories are stored, the person can then change their emotional response to them.
Changing negative core beliefs
Many people with depression struggle with deep-rooted negative beliefs about themselves, such as “I am a failure” or “I am not good enough.” These beliefs often stem from past experiences, like childhood bullying or an emotionally unavailable parent. By confronting these negative beliefs during EMDR sessions, clients often experience a shift in their self-perception. EMDR replaces traumatic memories with positive, healthy beliefs. This allows a person to move from feelings of worthlessness to self-acceptance and compassion.
Reducing physical symptoms of depression
Depression doesn’t just affect the mind—it often manifests physically, with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and body aches. EMDR, especially during the body scan phase, helps release physical tension associated with past traumatic memories. This bodily awareness, and understanding how memories and emotions manifest physically, can help clients take a more holistic approach to their healing.
Is EMDR right for you?
If past traumas or deeply-held negative beliefs are fueling your depression, consider EMDR as part of your treatment plan. It can often help those who haven’t been as responsive to other more traditional approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s important to work with a trained EMDR therapist who can guide you through the process safely and effectively.
To find out more about whether EMDR fits into your depression treatment plan, please reach out to us.
