EMDR Therapy
“EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (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 (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that more than 7 million people have been treated successfully by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries since 2016.”
-EMDRIA.org
What to Expect
EMDR therapy is an 8-phase treatment modality that begins the same way as “traditional” therapy, with an initial assessment. The counselor and client then work together to explore experiences that have resulted in trauma leading to mental health difficulties. Specific situations are discussed and associated negative core beliefs are identified. Clients undergo preparation for EMDR processing through the use of multiple methods of resourcing. EMDR processing is achieved through the use of bilateral stimulation in the form of hand movements, buzzers, or audio while clients free-associate, noticing what is coming up for them during the experience (thoughts, feelings, and body sensations). EMDR is distinct from “talk therapy” in that verbalization is minimal while the brain is given space to process through painful events. EMDR is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, however. Clients sometimes experience minimal discomfort following EMDR, typically in the form of feeling more fatigued than usual the following day. Self-care, including rest and hydration, are encouraged following an EMDR processing session. Clients may notice vivid dreams, new memories, and/or insights following processing; this is helpful information for clients to track for follow-up sessions.