Somatic therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) continue to gain popularity in the mental health arena due to their benefits and effectiveness in trauma treatment. Each one serves to reduce the emotional and psychological distress that is the product of surviving a trauma. While the two methods may appear different initially, they are similar in their approach to healing. When used together they can accelerate healing and overall goals.
EMDR
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that originated in the 1980s as a means to help people process their trauma and reduce distress related to negative memories. It uses the principle that after a trauma, memories can become “stuck” and cause stress until they are properly processed.
How it Works
EMDR is conducted in eight phases and targets a specific memory selected by the therapist and client together. The session structure follows this guideline:
Phase 1 – Go over history and treatment planning
Phase 2 – Prepare the client for the session and build rapport
Phase 3 – Identify the target memory and associated beliefs and emotions
Phase 4 – Begin desensitization and introduce bilateral stimulation
Phase 5 – Installation of more positive beliefs and emotions
Phase 6 – Complete a body scan and assess for residual distress
Phase 7 – Find closure and return to a state of calm and equilibrium
Phase 8 – Re-evaluate progress
Goal of EMDR
Incorporating bilateral stimulation into the healing process mimics what the brain goes through during its natural recovery phase in your R.E.M. sleep cycles. The main focus of EMDR is to reprocess memories that are causing distress and shift focus from negative associations to more positive ones. In doing so, you can effectively rewire the way your brain interacts with your past trauma.
EMDR has grown in use with not only PTSD and trauma, but also anxiety, depression, and phobias. There is some leeway while also providing structure for the client. EMDR sessions are also typically a faster route for finding relief.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the mind and body connection. The belief here is that your body holds on to emotional or mental distress. Certain physical sensations or symptoms may actually be manifestations of mental health issues.
Key Elements
When undergoing somatic therapy, the client is encouraged to pay attention to what their body is trying to tell them. Oftentimes, movement, breathwork, mindfulness, and various types of stretches are incorporated into treatment. As the mind and body connection is explored, clients are able to reduce tension and improve overall awareness.
Goal of Somatic Therapy
Without having an understanding of what is going on between the mind and body, you may not be able to process emotional experiences. This type of therapy can be useful for addressing traumas without diving back into the exact specifics of the event(s). Due to its nature, it has been helpful in dealing with chronic pain and stress disorders.
How Somatic Therapy and EMDR Are Combined
As mental health disorders are becoming more commonplace and more routinely addressed, more resources have been directed toward research and outcomes. EMDR has a good amount of evidence to support its benefit and effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health concerns. Somatic therapy, on the other hand, has limited research as of the present time. The research that has been completed does indicate effectiveness for use with anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain, however, there is more to be done.
A therapist who has training in both EMDR and somatic therapy can incorporate cognitive processing, examining memories and tracking physical sensations.
Finally, as mentioned, EMDR is a relatively fast approach for finding relief. Somatic therapy tends to move a bit slower in pace. Combined, they can accelerate therapy.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR and somatic therapy and how they can reduce your symptoms, contact us today.
