The Power of EMDR Intensives: What the Research Says
After 5 years of being an EMDR therapist and my own extensive experience with EMDR therapy, I have decided to expand my offerings to include EMDR intensive therapy. I have a couple of goals for this: more intensive and rapid work with people, which is what lights me up, and making EMDR available to clients who can’t tolerate or can’t afford the time to do trauma work week after week. I want to share some of the exciting research about this innovative approach. I want people to understand that EMDR intensive therapy isn't just a fad or a short-cut to well-being; it's research-backed and proven to work.
There is growing evidence that suggests increasing the frequency and duration of treatment sessions can significantly improve outcomes for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), issues with emotional regulation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and panic disorder. EMDR intensive therapy is a promising approach to effectively treat these issues, and fast. Let's explore the research and understand why this method might be a game-changer for individuals with persistent issues due to difficult past experiences who have not found enough relief from traditional therapy.
What is EMDR Intensive Therapy?
EMDR intensive therapy involves multiple sessions over a short period, rather than spreading them out over weeks or months. This method allows for a deeper and more focused treatment, helping patients process their past more effectively.
Key Study on Intensive EMDR
A recent study looked at seven patients with complex PTSD resulting from childhood abuse and combat-related trauma. The patients underwent 2x4 consecutive days of EMDR therapy, with each day including morning and afternoon sessions of 90 minutes each. Alongside the EMDR sessions, patients engaged in physical activity and psychoeducation. The results were remarkable:
Significant Improvement: CAPS (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) scores significantly decreased from pre- to post-treatment, with four out of seven patients no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD.
Lasting Results: The improvements were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
High Effect Sizes: The study reported large effect sizes, indicating a strong impact of the treatment.
Intensive EMDR for Veterans
Another study focused on veterans with PTSD compared two formats of EMDR therapy: intensive daily sessions over 10 days and traditional weekly therapy sessions. Both groups showed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, which were maintained at a 1-year follow-up. Meaning, EMDR intensive therapy was just as effective as long-term weekly EMDR therapy. Interestingly, even veterans who had previously not responded well to EMDR showed significant improvement with the intensive format.
Combining EMDR with Other Therapies
A pilot study investigated a five-day intensive treatment combining EMDR, yoga, and supportive components. Although the immediate effects were modest, significant improvements were reported at a two-week follow-up. Nine out of eleven patients reported improvements in their PTSD symptoms, with two no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD. The study highlighted the feasibility and acceptability of combining EMDR with other therapeutic practices like yoga.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Change
Research has also explored the biological impact of intensive trauma therapy. A one-week residential program combining mindfulness, artistic expression, and EMDR group therapy showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among adolescent girls with multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The study found changes in DNA methylation, indicating that such therapies might influence genetic expressions linked to trauma and stress responses.
Why Does Intensive EMDR Work?
The success of intensive EMDR therapy can be attributed to several factors:
Concentrated Effort: Intensive sessions allow for continuous focus on the trauma, enabling more thorough processing.
Reduced Dropout Rates: The condensed format often leads to lower dropout rates compared to traditional weekly sessions. Patients see a clear end point and are more likely to complete the treatment.
Immediate Support: Intensive therapy provides immediate and sustained support, which can be crucial for those dealing with severe trauma.
Benefits Beyond Symptoms
The benefits of intensive EMDR therapy go beyond just symptom reduction. Patients often report:
Improved Relationships: By addressing the root causes of their trauma, patients can build healthier relationships.
Enhanced Career Satisfaction: Reduced PTSD symptoms can lead to better focus and productivity at work.
Greater Sense of Security: Intensive therapy helps patients develop a lasting sense of peace and security.
Conclusion
The research on intensive EMDR therapy is promising, showing that it can be a safe and effective treatment for complex PTSD. While more studies are needed, the current findings suggest that intensive EMDR could offer a faster, more impactful path to healing for those struggling with severe trauma. If you're looking for a way to overcome obstacles with confidence and achieve lasting peace, intensive EMDR therapy might be the right choice for you.
Summary of Research
In summary, studies have shown that intensive EMDR therapy, whether alone or combined with other practices like yoga, can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. These benefits have been observed across different populations, including veterans and individuals with complex trauma histories. Additionally, the biological effects of such therapies indicate that they can bring about lasting changes at a genetic level, providing a comprehensive approach to healing from trauma. As research continues to evolve, the potential of EMDR intensives to transform lives becomes increasingly evident.
References
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Ehlers, A., Hackmann, A., Grey, N., Wild, J., Liness, S., Albert, I., ... & Clark, D. M. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of 7-day intensive and standard weekly cognitive therapy for PTSD and emotion-focused supportive therapy. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(3), 294-304. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13040552
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Murray, H., Merritt, C., & Grey, N. (2017). Returning to the scene of the trauma: The experience of PTSD in the second and third generations of survivors of the Nazi persecution. The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, 54(1), 4-10.
Steenkamp, M. M., Litz, B. T., Hoge, C. W., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Psychotherapy for military-related PTSD: A review of randomized clinical trials. JAMA, 314(5), 489-500. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.8370
van den Berg, D. P. G., van der Vleugel, B. M., Staring, A. B. P., de Jongh, A., & van Minnen, A. (2016). EMDR treatment for psychosis: A randomized controlled trial. Schizophrenia Research, 176(2-3), 442-449. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2016.05.009
Zepeda Méndez, L., Borgeat, F., Gauthier, G., & Savard, R. (2018). Intensive outpatient treatment for PTSD using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(1), 10-20. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.12.1.10
Zoellner, L. A., Feeny, N. C., & Bittinger, J. N. (2017). Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment response trajectories: Comparing a prolonged exposure treatment group to a cognitive-behavioral treatment group. Psychological Medicine, 47(14), 2497-2507. doi:10.1017/S0033291717001085
