EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach for working with traumatic and distressing memories. EMDR allows you to reprocess trauma and heal the brain of the negative core beliefs created by the trauma. EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the client to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (guided by eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR is designed to help you process and resolve those unprocessed trauma memories in the brain and reduce their emotional intensity and influence.
What Happens in EMDR?
EMDR has eight phases. The phases include history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. In most cases, the therapist and client must weave in and out of the various phases depending on the client's needs. It’s essential to note that EMDR includes various components designed to help you prepare for its core phases. Additionally, safety is a fundamental aspect of the treatment, and you will never be required to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
​EMDR can be customized to address a broad spectrum of challenges, making it a valuable therapy for anyone looking to process distressing memories, alleviate symptoms, and improve emotional resilience. EMDR therapy can address a wide range of challenges such as:
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Anxiety and panic disorders
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Depression
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Chronic Illness and medical issues
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Grief and loss
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PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
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Sexual assault/abuse
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Sleep issues
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Low self-esteem or negative beliefs ​
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FAQ
HOW LONG DOES EMDR TAKE?
​EMDR sessions may be slightly longer than standard therapy sessions, lasting up to 75 minutes. The number of sessions required varies based on the type and severity of the trauma experienced. For many individuals, 6-12 sessions may be sufficient to process traumatic memories, though those with more severe symptoms may require additional sessions.
HOW IS AN EMDR SESSION STRUCTURED?
EMDR sessions are tailored to each individual, as every memory is unique. Treatment typically begins with several preparatory sessions that may focus on stabilization, grounding techniques, and psychoeducation. The standard EMDR therapy protocol consists of eight phases, which include resourcing, processing, and installation, though this process can be adapted to meet individual needs. Processing involves bilateral stimulation, which may include eye movements, auditory clicks, or butterfly tapping. The type of stimulation used is chosen based on your preferences and comfort level.
WHY ARE EYE MOVEMENTS IMPORTANT?
In EMDR, individuals are guided to move their eyes from side to side while focusing on a distressing memory. One method of facilitating this side-to-side movement is by following the therapist's finger movements. Alternative approaches to EMDR may involve paying attention to auditory cues or tactile sensations, such as tapping, in a left-to-right sequence. This lateral motion, referred to as bilateral stimulation, has been shown to enhance the processing of memories, with various theories proposed to explain its mechanisms. The key consideration is to identify a form of bilateral stimulation that feels both comfortable and safe for the individual.
CAN I DO EMDR THROUGH TELE-HEALTH THERAPY?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be conducted effectively through telehealth. Therapists use various methods to facilitate bilateral stimulation remotely, such as guiding clients to follow visual cues on their screens, providing auditory signals through headphones, or instructing self-administered tactile techniques like tapping.
For telehealth EMDR therapy to be successful, it is essential to have a stable internet connection, a private and secure environment, and clear communication with the therapist. Additionally, the therapist may take extra precautions to ensure the client's safety and well-being, especially if distressing emotions arise during the session.
DOES EMDR HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?