EMDR

Quick Facts:

EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), as with most therapy approaches, focuses on your present concerns. The approach posits that past emotionally-charged experiences are overly influencing your present emotions, sensations, and thoughts about yourself. In a sense, you get “hijacked.” As an example: “Do you ever feel worthless although you know you are a worthwhile person?”

EMDR techniques can give you enhanced coping skills, and can help you break through the emotional blocks that are keeping you from living an adaptive, emotionally healthy life.

EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation such as tapping to help you update disturbing experiences, much like what occurs when we sleep. During sleep, we alternate between regular sleep and REM (rapid eye movement). This sleep pattern helps you process things that are troubling you.

EMDR replicates this sleep pattern by alternating between sets of eye movements and brief reports about what you are noticing. This alternating process helps you update your memories to a healthier present perspective.

EMDR uses a set of procedures to organize your negative and positive feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and then uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternating tapping, as the way to help you effectively work through those disturbing memories.

EMDR focuses on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, taking past experiences, and updating them with present information.

You may get emotional. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing, although we will make sure that you are prepared and we will safely manage them. Once they are processed, they rarely come back.

During EMDR processing, you are fully in control and present, unlike hypnosis.

EMDR is an Evidence Based Treatment for Trauma, PTSD, Grief & Loss.

Understanding EMDR Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and emotional distress. This therapy has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. In this guide, we will explore how EMDR therapy works, its benefits, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories can become "stuck" in the brain and cause ongoing distress. The therapy uses bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements, sounds, or taps—to facilitate the brain's natural healing process. This stimulation helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and promotes healing.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is structured into eight phases, each aimed at helping clients safely and effectively process their trauma:

1. History Taking: The therapist works with the client to understand their background and identify specific memories or experiences that are causing distress.

2. Preparation: The therapist helps the client build coping skills and establish a sense of safety before diving into the traumatic memories.

3. Assessment: Specific traumatic memories are identified, and the emotional and physical responses are assessed.

4. Desensitization: Through bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements), the therapist helps the client process the memory until the distress decreases.

5. Installation: Positive beliefs about oneself are installed to replace negative beliefs that were formed as a result of the trauma.

6. Body Scan: The therapist helps the client identify and release any physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory.

7. Closure: Each session is closed with a return to feelings of safety and calmness, ensuring the client is emotionally stable.

8. Reevaluation: Progress is assessed, and the therapist checks for any lingering distress or new memories that may require attention.

By the end of EMDR therapy, clients often experience a significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms and a sense of emotional resolution.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR has been proven effective for a wide range of issues, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is one of the most effective therapies for reducing PTSD symptoms by reprocessing traumatic memories.

• Anxiety and Depression: It helps clients address the root causes of anxiety and depression, providing long-term relief.

• Phobias: EMDR can help eliminate irrational fears by reprocessing the memories that trigger them.

• Grief and Loss: It can help individuals process difficult emotions related to loss and find emotional closure.

• Addiction: EMDR helps address the underlying trauma or emotional pain that may contribute to addictive behaviors.

Learn more about the benefits of EMDR therapy in our detailed blog post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EMDR Therapy

1. What types of issues can EMDR therapy help with?

EMDR is commonly used to treat PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and addiction. It is particularly effective for processing deeply buried traumatic memories.

2. Does EMDR therapy really work?

Yes! Numerous studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating trauma and related symptoms. Many clients experience significant relief after just a few sessions. For more information, visit our article on EMDR research and effectiveness.

3. Is EMDR therapy suitable for everyone?

EMDR therapy is suitable for most people, but it may not be recommended for individuals with severe dissociative disorders or active psychosis. It is always best to consult with a trained therapist to determine if EMDR is appropriate for your specific needs.

4. What does an EMDR session look like?

An EMDR session typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist will guide you through the phases of the therapy, focusing on specific traumatic memories, while using bilateral stimulation to help process them. The therapy is non-invasive and does not require talking in great detail about the traumatic experience.

5. How long does EMDR therapy take to show results?

The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on the individual and the severity of the trauma. Some people experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while others may need more. Generally, clients notice improvements within the first 6-12 sessions.

6. Is EMDR therapy painful?

While EMDR can bring up intense emotions, it is generally not painful. The goal is to reprocess the trauma so that it no longer has a strong emotional impact. Most clients report feeling a sense of relief or calm after processing traumatic memories.

7. What happens after the EMDR session?

After an EMDR session, clients may feel emotionally drained, but most also feel a sense of relief and clarity. Some people experience vivid dreams or flashbacks as their brain continues to process the trauma. Your therapist will help you manage these reactions and offer support between sessions.

For more on what to expect after your EMDR session, read our guide on post-session care and tips.

How to Get Started with EMDR Therapy

If you’re considering EMDR therapy, the first step is to find a licensed therapist trained in this technique. Start by booking an initial consultation where your therapist can assess your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. To learn more about how to choose the right therapist, check out our article on finding the right therapist for EMDR.