EMDR for Painful Memories

How does it work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories. When EMDR is done using tools like a light bar and pulsators, it enhances the bilateral stimulation component of the therapy.

Here's how it works with those tools:

🔹 Light Bar in EMDR

• The light bar provides visual bilateral stimulation by moving a light back and forth across the client’s field of vision.

• The client follows the moving light with their eyes, which mimics rapid eye movement (REM) sleep — the phase of sleep associated with memory processing.

• This eye movement helps the brain process distressing memories in a more adaptive way.

🔹 Pulsators (Tactile Stimulation)

• Pulsators (also called buzzers or tappers) are small handheld devices that vibrate alternately in each hand.

• This provides bilateral tactile stimulation, engaging both sides of the body and brain.

• It can be especially helpful for clients who find eye movements too intense or distracting.

🔄 Why Bilateral Stimulation Helps

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) — visual, auditory, or tactile — is believed to:

• Help reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.

• Facilitate the brain’s natural healing process by reprocessing memories.

• Allow traumatic memories to be "filed away" properly, reducing their power over the person.

🧠 What a Typical EMDR Session Looks Like (with light bar + pulsators):

1. Preparation – Therapist explains EMDR, builds trust, and ensures the client has tools for emotional regulation.

2. Targeting – Client identifies a specific traumatic memory to work on.

3. Assessment – Client rates the emotional charge and negative beliefs associated with the memory.

4. Desensitization – While following the light bar and/or holding pulsators, the client focuses on the memory.

5. Processing – The memory is processed until it's less distressing and new, positive beliefs can be installed.

6. Closure – The therapist helps the client return to a calm state before ending the session.

7. Re-evaluation – At the next session, progress is reviewed and continued if needed.

✅ Pros of Using Light Bar + Pulsators

• Allows customization based on client comfort and response.

• Offers a multisensory approach for better engagement.

• Can help clients stay grounded during processing.

🧑‍⚕️ Important Notes

• EMDR should always be done with a licensed, trained EMDR therapist.

• It’s especially effective for traumatic memories.

  
  

  Contact me today to schedule your first EMDR session.

  You deserve relief, healing, and a sense of peace.

  📞 Phone: 817.993.1170 📧 Email: therapycy@gmail.com 📍 Location: 7137 Hwy 26, Ste. 101, Colleyville, Tx or Virtual anywhere in Texas

  🗓️ Appointments available in-person or via secure online video.

  👉 Contact Me Now to take the next step in your healing journey.