What Part of the Brain Does EMDR Target?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a transformative therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. By understanding the specific parts of the brain that EMDR targets during EMDR therapy, we can better appreciate its profound effects on our emotional and psychological well-being.

Image of a woman sitting on a couch speaking to a therapist. Discover how EMDR therapy works in St. Paul, MN to help you heal from your unresolved trauma.

What Happens to Your Brain After EMDR?

Do you ever wonder, how exactly does EMDR work? EMDR therapy primarily targets the brain's limbic system, which includes the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and cingulate gyrus. These areas are crucial for emotion regulation, memory processing, and our stress response. Additionally, EMDR engages the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and moderating social behavior. After an EMDR session, your brain undergoes significant changes. The therapy works by helping to reprocess traumatic memories, which are often stored in a fragmented and distressing manner.

During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) helps integrate these memories, making them less intrusive and emotionally charged. This reprocessing can lead to a reduction in symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. The brain starts to view the traumatic memory as a past event rather than a present threat, which allows you to respond to it with less emotional intensity. Over time, this leads to improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of calm and control.

Does EMDR Calm the Amygdala?

Yes, EMDR has a calming effect on the amygdala, a part of the limbic system that plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly fear and stress. When you experience trauma, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, leading to heightened anxiety and a constant state of alertness. This is part of your brain's natural survival mechanism, but it can become maladaptive when the threat has passed. During EMDR sessions, the bilateral stimulation helps to reduce the amygdala's hyperactivity. As the traumatic memories are reprocessed and integrated, the amygdala learns to recognize that these memories no longer pose a threat.

 This results in a decrease in fear responses and a reduction in the symptoms associated with trauma, such as panic attacks and heightened anxiety. The calming of the amygdala also allows other parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, to function more effectively. This balance between the emotional and rational parts of the brain is crucial for overall mental health and well-being. Understanding these immediate changes can provide hope and reassurance, but it's important to also recognize the specific symptoms EMDR targets over the long term.

How Long Does Your Brain Process After EMDR?

The brain continues to process information for several days to weeks after an EMDR session. This ongoing processing is part of the therapy's effectiveness, as it allows the brain to continue integrating and making sense of the reprocessed memories. You might notice changes in your thoughts, emotions, and even dreams during this time as your brain consolidates the new, healthier ways of relating to past experiences.

It's important to give yourself time and space to reflect on these changes. You may feel more emotional or experience new insights about your trauma and how it has affected you. This extended processing period is a sign that your brain is working hard to heal and rewire itself. During this time, maintaining open communication with your therapist is essential. They can provide support and guidance as you navigate these changes and help you understand what you're experiencing. Remember, healing is a journey, and each step forward is progress.

Why Does My Head Feel Weird After EMDR?

So how do you know if EMDR is working? Feeling a bit strange or "off" after an EMDR session is not uncommon and can be attributed to the intense brain activity involved in the reprocessing of traumatic memories. Here are a few reasons why your head might feel weird after EMDR:

  1. Increased Brain Activity: EMDR stimulates multiple areas of the brain, particularly those involved in memory and emotion. This increased activity can leave you feeling mentally fatigued or spaced out.

  2. Emotional Release: Processing traumatic memories can release a lot of pent-up emotions, which can be overwhelming. This emotional release can manifest as physical sensations, including a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness.

  3. Neurochemical Changes: The process of reprocessing memories can alter the levels of neurochemicals in your brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. These changes can affect your mood and cognitive function, leading to a temporary sense of disorientation.

  4. Integration of New Information: As your brain works to integrate the new perspectives gained during EMDR, you might experience a period of adjustment. This can feel like your mind is working overtime to reconcile old and new ways of thinking and feeling.

Knowing the physical benefits of EMDR can provide a holistic understanding of its impact. But how do you know if it's truly working for you? Let's explore the signs of progress in EMDR therapy.

How Do You Know When EMDR is Working?

Recognizing the signs that EMDR is working can help you stay motivated. If you wonder what symptoms does EMDR help with, here are indicators that EMDR is making a positive difference:

  1. Decreased Emotional Distress: Memories and situations that once caused intense emotional reactions now feel more manageable.

  2. Improved Sleep: As traumatic memories are processed, your sleep patterns improve, resulting in fewer nightmares and more restful nights.

  3. Increased Presence: You feel more grounded and present, rather than consumed by past traumas or future worries.

  4. Positive Changes in Dreams: Your dreams and nightmares may change, reflecting progress and healing.

  5. Neutral Reactions to Triggers: Situations, places, or people that once triggered strong emotional responses may no longer have the same impact.

  6. Reduced Hypervigilance: You feel less on edge and more relaxed, with a decreased need to constantly scan your environment for danger.

  7. Resolved Memories: Traumatic memories start to feel less vivid and emotionally charged, becoming part of your past rather than dominating your present.

  8. Emergence of Positive Memories: As negative memories lose their grip, positive memories and emotions surface more frequently.

  9. Greater Enjoyment of Life: You experience joy and positive emotions more easily, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

  10. Overall Symptom Reduction: The physical and emotional symptoms of trauma diminish, allowing you to live a healthier, more integrated life.

EMDR is a powerful tool for healing. With the right support, you can overcome the lingering effects of trauma. Trust the process, stay connected with your EMDR therapist, and take note of the positive changes. Healing is a journey, and every step forward is a testament to your strength and resilience.

Image of a woman standing outside in thought. If you find yourself struggling to heal after trauma, work with an EMDR therapist in St. Paul, MN to help you overcome your symptoms and begin healing.

Begin Your Healing with EMDR Therapy in Saint Paul, MN

If you're grappling with the weight of past traumas or present distress, you don't have to face it alone. EMDR therapy in Saint Paul, MN, offers a powerful path to healing and a brighter future. At Sage Leaf Wellness, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your healing journey. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists specializes in EMDR therapy, guiding you through the process of overcoming life's challenges. Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life:

Additional Therapy Services at Sage Leaf Wellness

At Sage Leaf Wellness, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and live a fulfilling life. EMDR therapy in Saint Paul, MN, is just one of the many tools we offer to support your mental and emotional well-being. We also provide a range of other evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address your unique needs. Understanding that each person's journey is different, we offer various therapy options to accommodate individual requirements. Some of our other services include Anxiety Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Marriage and Couples Counseling, and more. Our goal is to help you find peace and empowerment through our comprehensive therapeutic practices. In addition to our in-person services in Saint Paul, MN we offer online therapy for those in the state of Minnesota. Let us support you on your journey to well-being with EMDR therapy and other effective treatments.

Benjamin Kelley