So what is EMDR anyway?
Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique approach to treating mental health conditions. EMDR is a type of therapy that has been used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on processing past traumatic experiences, which are believed to be the root cause of many mental health issues. EMDR involves a unique process that incorporates eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. In this blog post, we will explore what EMDR is, how it works, and who can benefit from this therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy, or EMDR for short, is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. EMDR is a unique type of therapy that involves eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR is based on the idea that when a traumatic event occurs, it can get "stuck" in the brain and cause a range of mental health issues.
During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the patient through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they recall the traumatic experience, helping the brain process the memory in a more adaptive way. This can reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with the memory.
Although EMDR can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, phobias, grief, and self-esteem issues, it is not a magic cure. EMDR is most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy or medication. It is recommended to talk to your therapist about expectations and realistic goal setting prior to engaging in EMDR therapy.
While EMDR can be an effective therapeutic approach for individuals with a range of mental health conditions, there are some contraindications to consider before starting this therapy. These can include those who are currently active in their substance abuse, those who have severe mental illness or are exhibiting severe mental health symptoms (e.g. suicidal ideation, psychosis, mania), and those who have experienced a recent traumatic experience or are in crisis. Active substance abuse can impair a person's ability to process emotions and thoughts, which are essential for successful EMDR therapy. In cases where an individual may be suffering from more severe symptoms, the focus should be on stabilizing the individual's mental health before starting any kind of trauma-focused therapy. Lastly, if an individual has recently experienced a traumatic event, they may need some time to process and stabilize before starting EMDR therapy. EMDR may help resolve trauma on the body efficiently and with a quicker recovery than other modalities, but it requires stability and positive coping skills as a first step. Overall, it is important to allow a person to have time to develop adequate coping strategies and support systems before starting any trauma-focused therapy.
Stabilization and resourcing is a necessary first step due to the fact that EMDR can bring up intense emotions and memories, which can be overwhelming without proper coping mechanisms. Therapists will work with clients to develop strategies for managing distress and building emotional regulation skills before starting EMDR. Additionally, therapists may also work with clients to develop grounding techniques and relaxation exercises, which can help clients feel more in control during the EMDR process and keep their nervous systems within the window of tolerance. These strategies can be helpful for individuals to build a strong foundation of emotional stability, which can support them through the challenging and transformative process of EMDR therapy.
During an EMDR session, the client processes the memory while the therapist creates a safe and supportive environment, providing validation, empathy, and encouragement throughout the process. The therapist helps support the client to identify and process negative beliefs and emotions associated with the memory, and to replace them with more positive and adaptive ones.
Throughout the session, the therapist continually checks in with the client to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe. The therapist helps the client to develop coping strategies and to ground themselves if they become overwhelmed by the process.
The 8-step EMDR protocol is collaborative, empowering, and focuses on the client's subjective experience, with a non-judgmental and non-directive approach. The client is encouraged to take an active role in the therapy, and to communicate their thoughts and feelings throughout the process.
The therapeutic relationship in EMDR is collaborative and empowering, with the goal of helping the client to develop greater self-awareness and resilience. The therapist and client work together to process traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment, with the aim of reducing the intensity of negative emotions associated with the memory and promoting healing and growth.
Who can benefit from EMDR? EMDR can be a useful therapy for individuals who have experienced trauma or are struggling with various mental health conditions. Some of the mental health conditions that EMDR may be used to treat include:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Substance abuse and addiction
Phobias
Eating disorders
Dissociative disorders
As discussed previously, EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, may need to avoid it due to the potential risk of seizure activity.
During an EMDR session, clients can expect to engage in a collaborative process with their therapist. The session typically lasts between 50-90 minutes and involves several phases throughout the entire duration of treatment. These include:
History-taking and assessment: The therapist will gather information about the client's history and current symptoms, as well as any potential trauma or significant life events.
Preparation: The therapist will provide education about EMDR and help the client develop coping strategies for managing any distress that may arise during the session.
Target identification: The therapist will work with the client to identify the specific traumatic memories that are causing distress.
Desensitization: The client will recall the traumatic memory while engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, with the goal of reducing the intensity of negative emotions associated with the memory.
Installation: The therapist will help the client replace negative beliefs and emotions associated with the memory with more positive and adaptive ones.
Body scan: The therapist will guide the client through a process of checking in with their body and mind to ensure that they feel calm and grounded.
Closure: The therapist will help the client to feel grounded and centered before the session ends.
Overall, EMDR can be a valuable therapy for individuals who are struggling with trauma and other mental health issues. With the guidance and support of a qualified therapist, clients can expect to experience reduced symptoms and increased resilience over time.
Despite the growing popularity of EMDR, there are still many misconceptions and questions surrounding this therapy. Here are some of the common questions and misconceptions about EMDR:
Is EMDR a form of hypnosis? No, EMDR is not a form of hypnosis. While the therapy involves a type of guided visualization, clients remain fully awake and aware during the process.
Will EMDR erase my memories? No, EMDR will not erase your memories. Instead, the therapy aims to reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with traumatic memories, and to help you develop more adaptive ways of thinking and feeling.
Is EMDR only for people with PTSD? No, EMDR can be a helpful therapy for individuals with a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and phobias, in addition to PTSD. Research shows that EMDR is particularly successful in treating shock traumas. Shock traumas are acute and isolated traumatic experiences (e.g. car accident, natural disaster).
Do I have to follow the therapist's finger during EMDR? No, while eye movements are a common form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, other forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or audio tones can also be used.
Will EMDR work for everyone? EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, and may not be effective for everyone. However, many individuals have found it to be a helpful and transformative therapy.
If you have additional questions about EMDR, it's important to talk to a qualified therapist who can provide you with more information and guidance.
If you're interested in learning more about EMDR or finding a qualified therapist who can provide this therapy, there are several resources available. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) is a professional organization that provides information about EMDR and maintains a directory of qualified EMDR therapists. Additionally, many mental health organizations and clinics offer EMDR as part of their services.
In summary, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and manage traumatic experiences and other mental health issues. Through a collaborative process with a qualified therapist, clients can work through traumatic memories and develop more adaptive ways of thinking and feeling. EMDR has been shown to be effective for a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and phobias.
If you're struggling with traumatic memories or other mental health issues, it's important to seek professional help. A qualified therapist can provide you with more information about EMDR and other therapies that may be helpful for your specific needs. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in reaching out for support. With the right guidance and support, you can overcome your challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being.
