EMDR Therapy Explained
Discover the Power of EMDR Therapy
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of past trauma that continues to affect your everyday life?
Have you tried various therapies but still find yourself struggling with anxiety or distressing memories?
Are you looking for a way to heal more deeply and quickly, so you can move forward with confidence and peace?
Do you wish to improve your relationships and free yourself from negative self-talk and emotional barriers?
If these questions resonate with you, EMDR therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for. As an EMDR therapist, I can guide you through the process of how EMDR works to overcome trauma and anxiety by addressing the root causes of emotional distress. Keep reading and find out how EMDR can help you regain control of your life and unlock a path to lasting change.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR therapy is a highly effective and extensively researched psychotherapy technique proven to help individuals recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Unlike traditional talk therapies that often require you to extensively discuss and relive your traumas, EMDR focuses on allowing your brain to resume its natural healing process.
EMDR therapy is unique because it does not rely on verbalization of the traumatic incident. Instead, it uses a structured approach involving bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements) to activate the brain's information processing system. This helps to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories, allowing for emotional healing to occur more rapidly and often more effectively than in traditional psychotherapy. This method is not only less verbally invasive but also typically requires fewer sessions.
Weekly Sessions vs. Intensive EMDR Therapy
While EMDR can be conducted in traditional weekly sessions, some individuals may benefit from an intensive format. EMDR therapy intensives condense multiple sessions into a few consecutive days, which can be particularly beneficial for those looking to make significant progress in a shorter period. This format is ideal for individuals who may not have the time for weekly therapy due to busy schedules or for those who find it challenging to revisit traumatic memories over extended periods.
The primary goal of EMDR therapy, whether in weekly sessions or intensive format, is to help you break free from the powerful grip of past experiences. It aims to foster a new way of thinking about yourself and the world, empowering you with more adaptive coping mechanisms and a renewed sense of personal strength and resilience.
Visit EMDR Therapy Intensives to learn more about the EMDR intensive format and if it could be right for you.
Commonly asked questions about EMDR…
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
If you find yourself repeating patterns of behaviors that do not serve you, not being able to move past a traumatic event, experiencing low self-worth, feeling unloved, or experiencing anxiety, you can benefit from EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy can be used to treat adults, teenagers, and children.
How can EMDR therapy help me?
EMDR therapy will help you gain new ways of thinking about your presenting problem or traumatic memories. You will become unstuck from painful memories and be able to think about them without becoming as distressed. Many people also benefit from changing overall hurtful thoughts they hold about themselves and replace them with positive thoughts, giving them more self-esteem and less anxiety.
Can I do EMDR therapy online via telehealth?
Yes, you can absolutely do EMDR therapy online. I have practiced EMDR with many clients online and in-person, and I find that there is very little difference. Most clients elect to use a form of self-tapping instead of eye movement when we have online sessions. However, if that is not working for you, we can use other forms of audio clicking and eye movement. You will learn the same skills and have the same access to me in-between sessions.
How does EMDR therapy work?
There are 8 phases of EMDR therapy. The initial phase focuses on taking a thorough client history followed by a preparation phase. The client then identifies their presenting issue or traumatic memory and goes through the desensitization phase using the bilateral stimulation, for example, eye-movement, tapping, or audible clicking. After each set of bilateral movements, the individual is asked what they are noticing. This process continues until the memory is no longer disturbing. Then a chosen positive belief is installed, replacing a negative one. After this process, the client has increased insight regarding both the previously disturbing event and long-held negative thoughts about the self that have grown out of the original traumatic event. The last phase is processing a future event in a positive way, allowing the client to have new adaptive behaviors to situations they consider to be difficult.
Can EMDR therapy erase my memory?
No, EMDR therapy only lowers the disturbances that painful memories can cause.
What are the dangers of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is recognized as a safe and effective treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences. However, for many people, EMDR therapy is unknown and that can feel unsettling. Here are some risks for you and your EMDR therapist to consider.
Emotional Intensity: One of the primary concerns with EMDR is the potential for intense emotional responses during the reprocessing of traumatic memories. Because EMDR directly addresses these memories, it can lead to temporary increases in distress during a session. It’s crucial to work with a trained EMDR therapist who can guide you safely through these emotional experiences.
Unresolved Memories: In some cases, the rapid processing of memories can bring up additional unresolved traumas. This can sometimes feel overwhelming if not properly managed. A skilled EMDR therapist will help you navigate these memories by providing appropriate pacing and support throughout the therapy.
Physical Reactions: Some individuals may experience mild physical reactions during EMDR therapy, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, due to the bilateral stimulation used during sessions. These are typically brief and resolve quickly.
Safety and Readiness: EMDR is not suitable for everyone. Those with certain mental health disorders, such as severe dissociative disorders, might require other therapeutic interventions first. An experienced EMDR therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine your readiness for EMDR and ensure it’s the right approach for your specific needs.
While EMDR is largely considered safe, it’s important to have these sessions conducted by a trained and experienced EMDR therapist who can ensure that the process is handled with care. By choosing a qualified therapist, you can maximize the benefits of EMDR while minimizing any potential risks.