Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy [EMDR]
is an integrative approach that has been extensively researched and proven
effective for the treatment of trauma. It incorporates elements from many
different treatment approaches, yet often seems different than any of them, especially
since it requires much less talking about or dwelling on the trauma. Instead,
it unlocks a powerful and natural healing process in the client’s mind,
allowing them to guide themselves to peace around traumatic memories that may
have previously seemed insurmountable. Like any technique, it is not perfect
for everyone, but when it is a good fit, it can lead to life-changing outcomes,
sometimes in much less time than anything else. For this reason, EMDR is one of
the many trauma-resolution techniques we offer at Windmill to every client.

How Does EMDR Work?

In a fight or flight moment, the brain releases a flood of chemicals
like adrenaline and cortisol. During that experience, traumatic memories are
not stored properly and can remain “stuck,” giving the subconscious emotional
center of the brain the impression that the danger has never passed, leaving
the fear centers on high alert. Often, people come away from these experiences
with profoundly negative beliefs about themselves, thus undermining their
ability to function in life, and often leading to addiction as a futile attempt
to escape the pain they cause.

When someone engages in EMDR, they discover those negative
beliefs and learn to let them go. This is done through bilateral stimulation,
which engages both hemispheres of the brain and gets them to work together to
reconsider the memory. This may be done using eye movement, sound, and/or tactile
stimulation. While engaging in EMDR, the client does not need to focus on, let
alone talk about, the memory. Instead, they learn to let their mind guide
itself to healing as they sit quietly. Some come away laughing or shaking their
heads in disbelief as they find they are able to think about the previously
traumatic memories with decreasing distress until those memories no longer
bother them. They let go of the old negative beliefs and replace them with
positive beliefs. Many say later that they had unexpected benefits such as being able
to set and keep boundaries or being able to be in old environments without
shame. Since letting go of traumatic feelings and beliefs has been shown to
improve all kinds of life outcomes including addiction and other mental health
recovery, we believe EMDR is one of the many reasons that so many Windmill
clients go on to experience a new freedom in their lives.