What is Doing EMDR via Telehealth like for the Client?

For my clients looking to trauma process, especially those with medical or health trauma, they typically don’t ask “how” or “why” EMDR works. They've often already heard about EMDR as an effective trauma processing tool, and they're curious. Their primary question is often what EMDR looks like and feels like when we're doing it.

For those who have had overwhelming or adverse experiences in medical settings, trying a new modality can be scary and the anticipatory anxiety wants to know what to expect. So here, I'm going to share a glimpse into what EMDR looks like when we're doing it via telehealth. Another important thing to note: As a chronic illness informed and medical trauma sensitive clinician, I also think it’s crucial to adapt the process to my clients’ needs. For example, I have numerous options for backgrounds and colors we can use if you’re photophobic or visually sensitive. If you are prone to dizziness, we can change the speed of the ball that’s moving, and the space between “sets”. If you have a history of seizures, we utilize a different form of bilateral stim that doesn’t involve light or your eyes. In this process I’m attuned to you, and we go at the pace of your body. We stay within your nervous system’s window of tolerance. I deeply believe that trauma processing needs to be individualized; individualizing the process and honoring the clients’ needs is a reparative practice in and of itself.

EMDR for for re-processing the overwhelming experiences and events that got stuck as an “open loop”

EMDR is a structured protocol, typically with 8 steps. We move through these steps intentionally, to first identify a distressing memory, experience, or a thought that feels like you live it on repeat. We then do some work to learn about its impacts, its branches and its related threads. We also build some internal resources that will help us in the processing phase of the protocol.

What is the re-processing phase of EMDR like?

We meet on a screen like the one above. You'll see me in the corner of it, with you the whole time. After we pull up that distressing/overwhelming memory, image or experience, the ball moves back and forth on the screen, facilitating bilateral stimulation. As your eyes follow, your psyche and body begin to disentangle the sensations, emotions and beliefs associated with the overwhelming experience.

Your eyes don't move back and forth the entire duration of the session. I manage the bilateral stimulation (BLS) and how many "passes" we do from right to left, and left to right. We pause frequently, you metabolize what came up in that “set”, and then we “go in” again. In between BLS sets, this is where I integrate things like IFS parts work and imagery to support your brain in re-organizing that open file that was too overwhelming to initially close.

We follow the path in your body and mind until we’ve metabolized enough for your activation to start to ebb. This doesn’t mean we “erased” the traumatic experience. In this process, we are working to desensitize it. This allows your body and brain to think and feel in present tense, instead of past tense. We’re integrating new material, and filing away the old.

Who does EMDR tend to help?

EMDR can be effective for clients with a history of complex chronic illness, whose bodies feel scary to trust. It can help interrupt hypervigilance that can develop around body sensations, or that looming fear around whether a condition is about to flare again. EMDR is also effective for survivors of medical trauma, sexual trauma or childhood abuse, who physically re-experience the terrifying sense of powerlessness or the overwhelming fear of the threat. It can help those who have suffered traumatic loss in their grief process. It works well for individuals with attachment trauma, who want to feel like they can exhale, and trust being in relationship again.

How do I learn more about if EMDR is right for me?

Reach out for a 15 minute consult, and we'll chat about your experiences and your story. I don’t believe trauma processing protocols are one-size fits all. Especially for those with chronic illness, neurodivergence and/or medical trauma. I believe adapting the modality to your needs is key. Let’s chat about what utilizing EMDR could look like for you.

Candice Craft, LMFT

LMFT # 154305

soulcraftcounseling@gmail.com