What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR, developed the therapy in the late 1980s after she noticed that her clients were reporting that their traumatic memories were becoming less disturbing after they had been exposed to rapid eye movements.
EMDR therapy is a structured approach that involves eight phases:
- Assessment: The therapist assesses the client’s history, current symptoms, and goals for treatment.
- History Taking: The therapist takes a detailed history of the client’s trauma experiences.
- Preparation: The therapist helps the client prepare for the EMDR process by teaching them about the therapy and how it works.
- Desensitization: The therapist helps the client to focus on a specific traumatic memory while they engage in bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can take many forms, such as eye movements, tapping, or listening to a metronome.
- Reprocessing: The therapist helps the client to process their traumatic memory by identifying and challenging any negative beliefs or emotions associated with the memory.
- Installation: The therapist helps the client to install positive beliefs about themselves and their ability to cope with the trauma.
- Closure: The therapist helps the client to close the EMDR session by reviewing what they have learned and how they feel.
- Reassessment: The therapist reassesses the client’s symptoms and goals to see how EMDR has helped.
EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and trauma-related anxiety and depression. EMDR therapy has also been shown to be effective in treating other conditions, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, and chronic pain.
How does EMDR work?
The exact mechanism of how EMDR works is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of several factors, including:
- Bilateral stimulation: Bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain to process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way.
- Exposure: Exposure to the traumatic memory is believed to help the client to habituate to the memory and to reduce its emotional intensity.
- Processing: EMDR therapy helps the client to process the traumatic memory by identifying and challenging any negative beliefs or emotions associated with the memory.
- Installation: EMDR therapy helps the client to install positive beliefs about themselves and their ability to cope with the trauma.
What are the benefits of EMDR?
EMDR therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of trauma-related conditions. EMDR therapy can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. EMDR therapy can also help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In addition, EMDR therapy can help to improve coping skills, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
What are the risks of EMDR?
EMDR therapy can be emotionally challenging, and it is important to work with a therapist who is experienced in using EMDR therapy. Some risks associated with EMDR therapy include:
- Flashbacks: EMDR therapy can sometimes trigger flashbacks, which can be emotionally upsetting.
- Nightmares: EMDR therapy can sometimes trigger nightmares.
- Intrusive thoughts: EMDR therapy can sometimes trigger intrusive thoughts.
- Anxiety: EMDR therapy can sometimes increase anxiety.
- Depression: EMDR therapy can sometimes increase depression.
It is important to talk to your therapist about any concerns you have about EMDR therapy.
Who is EMDR therapy right for?
EMDR therapy is right for anyone who is struggling with the effects of trauma, and trauma covers a broad spectrum of issues. EMDR therapy can be helpful for people who have experienced a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, sexual assault, loss of a job, or a bad breakup or for people who have experienced multiple traumatic events, such as child abuse or domestic violence.
EMDR therapy can also be helpful for people who are struggling with the effects of PTSD, complex PTSD, or trauma-related anxiety and depression.
How do I get started with EMDR therapy?
The first step to getting started with EMDR therapy is to find a therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy. You can find a therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy by searching online or by asking your doctor or mental health professional for a referral.
Once you have found a therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy, you will need to schedule an appointment for an assessment. During the assessment, the therapist will ask you about your history, current symptoms, and goals for treatment.
After the assessment, the therapist will discuss the EMDR therapy process with you and will answer any questions you have. Our clinician, Emily Paultz, is EMDR trained and happy to assist you on this part of your journey!
If you are ready to schedule an appointment, visit the online portal today.
