EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing. EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the client to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotions associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences
During each session, a trained EMDR therapist works with clients to safely recall traumatic memories in which the primary goal is to change memory storage.
How EMDR does help?
Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm system for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger) and the prefrontal cortex (which controls behavior and emotion).
While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, some experiences may not be processed without help. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of being overwhelmed, of being back in that moment, or of being frozen in time. EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.
EMDR treatment can reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, Improve communication between the brain's hemispheres, and allow for cognitive and emotional learning.
What happens in an EMDR session?
There are eight phases of EMDR treatment.
History and treatment planning: The therapist meets with the client to identify traumatic events and develop a treatment plan
Preparation: The client prepares for the therapy session
Assessment: The therapist assesses the client's treatment goals and target memory
Desensitization: The client and therapist use bilateral stimulation to reduce fear and distress associated with the target memory
Installation: The client incorporates new positive beliefs into their life
Body scan: The client processes any lingering body disturbances
Closure: The client returns to a calm state of mind
Reevaluation: The therapist and client discuss the session and determine future treatment goals
During an EMDR session, the therapist guides a client to recall a traumatic memory while simultaneously focusing on a rhythmic external stimulus like eye movements, taps, or sounds, which helps to "reprocess" the memory and reduce its negative emotional impact, allowing the client to eventually view the event with less distress and a more positive belief about themselves;
How long does EMDR take?
Typically, EMDR treatment involves:
Sessions: 45-90 minutes per session.
Number of sessions: 6-12 sessions on average, but may range from 3 to 20 or more.
There are many factors that influence the length of treatment, including: the number of traumatic events, severity of symptoms, current coping mechanisms, and presence of co-occurring mental health conditions. It’s important to note that EMDR is a tailored treatment approach, and the specific duration will be determined by the therapist in consultation with the client.
Where can I learn more?
Watch the video below to learn more.