I’ve always known about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a form of therapy that has been used for over 30 years to treat individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances. But I recently came across EMDR music which has been a beautiful addition to my meditation practice every evening. It is extremely calming and it uses bilateral stimulation (stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain) to help you relax. The best way to experience it is by wearing headphones to really get the full effect of the different segments, tempos, and textures of the music to enter each ear separately.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Before discussing the benefits of EMDR music, it is important to understand what EMDR therapy is and how it works. EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that traumatic memories and experiences are not fully processed by the brain and are stored in a maladaptive way. This leads to a range of negative symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
EMDR therapy involves a structured approach that aims to help individuals process traumatic memories and experiences. It involves eight phases, which include history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.
During the desensitization phase, the therapist will use eye movements, hand taps, or auditory stimuli to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. This process helps to desensitize the individual to the negative emotions and sensations associated with the memory, and allows them to reprocess it in a more adaptive way.
What is EMDR Music?
EMDR music is a type of music that has been specifically designed to aid in the EMDR therapy process. It typically involves instrumental music that is soothing and calming, with a slow tempo and repetitive melody. The music is played in the background during the therapy session and is used to help create a safe and calming environment for the individual. EMDR music can enhance the therapy process by helping individuals to access and process their emotions, while also providing a calming and soothing atmosphere.
How Does EMDR Music Benefit EMDR Therapy?
There are several ways in which EMDR music can benefit the EMDR therapy process. Firstly, the music can help to create a calm and safe environment for the individual. This is particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma, as they may be experiencing high levels of anxiety and fear during the therapy session.
The music can also help to regulate the individual’s emotions and provide a sense of grounding. The slow tempo and repetitive melody of the music can help to slow down the individual’s breathing and heart rate, which can in turn reduce their feelings of anxiety and stress.
EMDR music can also help to enhance the therapy process by facilitating the processing of traumatic memories. The music can act as a form of bilateral stimulation, which is a key component of EMDR therapy. Bilateral stimulation involves activating both sides of the brain through eye movements, hand taps, or auditory stimuli. This helps to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by integrating the different parts of the brain that are involved in memory processing.
Finally, EMDR music can help to deepen the therapeutic relationship between the individual and the therapist. The calming and soothing environment created by the music can help to foster a sense of trust and safety, which is essential for effective therapy.
EMDR music is a valuable tool that can be used to enhance the EMDR therapy process. The calming and soothing environment created by the music can help to regulate emotions and create a sense of safety for the individual. The music can also facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by acting as a form of bilateral stimulation. Overall, EMDR music is a powerful tool that can help individuals to heal from trauma and other emotional disturbances.
While EMDR music is often used in conjunction with EMDR therapy, it can also be beneficial on its own for anyone looking to reduce stress, anxiety, or other emotional disturbances. The calming and soothing nature of the music can help to regulate emotions and provide a sense of relaxation and comfort.
EMDR music can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or other emotional disturbances, as it can provide a safe and grounding environment for them to process their emotions. However, even individuals without a history of trauma can benefit from EMDR music as a form of relaxation and stress reduction.
It is important to note that while EMDR music can be helpful for many individuals, it is not a substitute for professional therapy or treatment. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, it is important to seek the help of a licensed mental health professional who can provide individualized treatment and support.