EMDR Therapy

Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

What is EMDR?
 

Simply put, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based a type of therapy designed to help people heal from trauma or distressing life experiences. Here’s a simple way to understand it:
 

1. Purpose: EMDR is mainly used to help people who have experienced traumatic events, like accidents, abuse, or other significant emotional pain. It can be used to aid in a variety of other topics as well such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, phobias, and more. 

2. How It Works: The therapy involves the person recalling the traumatic event while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus, usually the therapist's finger moving back and forth, sounds, or taps. This helps the brain process and integrate the traumatic memories in a healthier way.

3. Results: Many people find that EMDR helps them feel less burdened by their past traumas, leading to reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In my practice, I have personally witnessed countless clients make significant improvement from their struggles in relatively faster time than talk therapy.
    

In essence, EMDR is like a mental workout that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer have a strong negative effect on a person’s emotions and daily life.

EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in treating various mental health issues, particularly trauma-related conditions. The approach encompasses history-taking, treatment planning, and the application of bilateral stimulation to promote desensitization and reprocessing.
 
Do the effects last over time?

Twelve studies were conducted to evaluate the sustainability of treatment effects among individuals diagnosed with PTSD. These studies compared outcomes post-treatment with those observed during follow-up periods, which varied in duration from 3 to 5 years after treatment completion. Among civilian participants, treatment effects persisted in eight out of nine studies, with only one study (Devilly & Spence, 1999) indicating a potential decline. Conversely, in studies involving combat veteran participants, only one (Carlson et al., 1998) administered a full treatment course comprising 12 sessions, demonstrating sustained treatment effects at the 9-month mark. In contrast, the remaining two studies provided limited treatment: Devilly, Spence, and Rapee (1998) conducted only two sessions, failing to maintain moderate effects observed at post-test during follow-up, while Pitman et al. (1996) addressed only two of multiple traumatic memories, resulting in the lack of sustained treatment effects at the 5-year follow-up (Macklin et al., 2000). These findings suggest that inadequate treatment provision may not effectively address the disorder, potentially leading to regression of the partial effects initially achieved.

How does it work?

The core principle of EMDR involves the utilization of bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements, rhythmic tapping, or handheld tactile buzzers, to facilitate the brain's natural ability to process information. This unique therapeutic method assists individuals in reprocessing traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and enabling the development of more adaptive and positive beliefs.

Throughout an EMDR session, individuals are guided to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This process aims to foster the integration of these memories into a more adaptive and less emotionally charged form. EMDR's effectiveness, efficiency, and ability to produce lasting results make it a valuable tool in the field of psychotherapy, offering hope and healing to individuals grappling with the impact of trauma and adverse life experiences.
 
Are there any side effects?

Like all psychotherapies, it's possible to experience a temporary rise in distress during EMDR therapy. This might involve the emergence of distressing and unresolved memories. Some clients may also have unexpected reactions during a session, such as intense emotions or physical sensations, which neither they nor the therapist foresaw. After a session, the processing of memories and material discussed may persist, leading to the emergence of additional dreams, memories, or feelings.

What can I expect from EMDR?

EMDR Therapy has a structured approach to processing distressing, traumatic memories and alleviating associated symptoms. In sessions, the therapist will guide you through the phases listed below to help reprocess challenging memories. This structured process begins with a thorough history assessment and client preparation, followed by the identification of specific targets and their components. During sessions, clients actively process past, present, and future aspects while engaging in dual stimulation techniques like eye movements or taps. After each set of movements, clients provide brief descriptions of their experiences to the clinician. As sessions conclude, clients are equipped with techniques to foster a sense of empowerment and control. Ultimately, the goal of EMDR therapy is to resolve distressing memories and present issues, fostering the emergence of healthier responses. Shapiro's "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy" provides detailed case studies elucidating the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.Through collaboration with the therapist and a commitment to the process, clients can promote emotional healing, cultivate resilience, and ultimately achieve greater well-being. 
 
EMDR therapy adheres to a standard eight-phase approach, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This structured process begins with a thorough history assessment and client preparation, followed by the identification of specific targets and their components. During sessions, clients actively process past, present, and future aspects while engaging in dual stimulation techniques like eye movements or taps. After each set of movements, clients provide brief descriptions of their experiences to the clinician. As sessions conclude, clients are equipped with techniques to foster a sense of empowerment and control. Ultimately, the goal of EMDR therapy is to resolve distressing memories and present issues, fostering the emergence of healthier responses. Shapiro's "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy" provides detailed case studies elucidating the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.