Glossary
Glossary of EMDR Therapy Terms
Like any specialized field, EMDR therapy includes its terminology that is crucial for practitioners and clients to understand. Below is a list of some key terms used in EMDR therapy.
Bilateral Stimulation – This is a core element of EMDR therapy involving alternating stimulation of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This can be done through eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile feedback, which helps the brain process traumatic memories.
Client – In the context of EMDR, a client is an individual who receives EMDR therapy to address psychological stressors and trauma.
Desensitization – This refers to the EMDR therapy phase aimed at reducing the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.
EMDR Therapist – A professional trained and certified to practice EMDR therapy. These therapists guide clients through the eight phases of EMDR to help them heal from psychological distress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A structured therapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. EMDR therapy emphasizes the role of distressing memories in influencing present pathological symptoms and behaviors.
Installation – The phase in EMDR therapy where the client installs and strengthens positive beliefs about oneself, replacing the negative emotions and beliefs associated with the traumatic memories.
Processing – In EMDR, processing refers to the client’s focus on trauma memories and current disturbances while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which helps the brain reprocess the trauma in a way that leads to psychological healing.
Reevaluation – This phase of EMDR therapy involves checking after each session to ensure that the therapeutic gains are maintained and the client’s condition is continually improving.
Reprocessing – The aspect of EMDR therapy where the client, aided by bilateral stimulation, revisits traumatic memories in a controlled therapeutic setting, aiming to integrate and adaptively store these memories.
Trauma – Psychological trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, often leading to feelings of helplessness and a diminished sense of self and ability to feel a range of emotions and experiences.
Trauma Memory – This is the memory of the traumatic event that the client revisits during the therapy session, often causing significant emotional distress before the therapeutic intervention.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better understand EMDR therapy and its benefits. Whether you are a potential client looking to start your healing journey or just seeking to learn more about this practical therapeutic approach, EMDRfinder.com provides resources and connections to qualified EMDR therapists ready to assist.