top of page
Search

EMDR and complicated grief

marisahoward



Understanding EMDR Therapy for Complicated Grief: A Path to Healing

Grief is a part of life and is a deeply personal experience. After the death of a loved one, grief is characterised by deep sadness but also by an intense yearning to be with that person again. Adjustment can take months, if not years, and the process often features deep themes of loss, change, and control.

 

When the loss of a loved one becomes overwhelming or prolonged, it can develop into complicated grief. This form of grief can feel endless, leaving us stuck in a cycle of intense sadness, anger, guilt, and longing that doesn’t seem to get better over time. For those struggling with complicated grief, therapy can offer a lifeline.

 

A novel approach to complicated grief is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.

 

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a specialised form of psychotherapy originally developed to help individuals recover from trauma. The treatment involves a unique technique where the therapist helps the individual process distressing memories while guiding them through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like taps or sounds). This process is designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing the emotional charge attached to them.

 

How EMDR Helps with Grief

When someone experiences a profound loss, they can become stuck in their grief, replaying the pain over and over. For some, this may involve traumatic memories of the person they lost or of the circumstances surrounding their death. These memories can cause emotional distress that interferes with daily life, making it hard to find peace or move forward.

EMDR helps by targeting these painful memories and helping individuals process them in a way that reduces emotional intensity. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in the overwhelming sadness, guilt, and other difficult emotions that often accompany complicated grief. It allows us to honour our loved ones and our loss without being consumed by it.

 

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy for Grief

In an EMDR session, we will start by establishing a safe, trusting environment. Then, we’ll work to identify specific memories or feelings related to your grief that you wish to process. With each memory, you’ll be guided through the bilateral stimulation process while you focus on the memory and any associated thoughts or feelings.

As you continue, you may start to notice a reduction in the emotional charge of the memory, and with each session, you'll gradually gain more perspective and emotional relief.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with grief that feels unrelenting, EMDR therapy may offer a new path toward healing. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have experienced a loss that’s complex or traumatic—whether it’s due to a sudden death, a long illness, or unresolved issues with the deceased.

While no therapy can "erase" the pain of loss, EMDR can help you regain a sense of balance and peace, and allow you to integrate the memory of your loved one in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. If you’re considering therapy, reach out to a trained EMDR therapist.


Remember, grief is a journey, and healing is possible with the right support.

(reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11056564/ Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for prolonged grief: theory, research, and practice, Liam Spicer, 2024)

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


favpng_torres-strait-islanders-torres-strait-islander-flag-cadigal-indigenous-peoples.png

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Country on which I live and work, and their ongoing connection to this land and water. I pay my respects to their culture and their Elders – past, present and future.

©2022 by Marisa Howard Psychotherapy. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page