What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
EMDR therapy involves Eye Movement DesensitizationDesensitization and Reprocessing, which is a contemporary method of treatment for trauma and its aftermath. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the second half of the 1980s, it emerged as an effective intervention for PTSD. It is also beneficial in treating anxiety, clinical depression, and emotional scars stemming from trauma. With time, EMDR therapy has earned respect as one of the best techniques for solving mental health issues.
Understanding the EMDR Therapy Process
Comparison to talk therapy shows that EMDR reprocesses memories to lessen their weight, as opposed to discussing them in order to heal. Eight important steps have to be carried out properly:
- History Taking: In this step, the therapist understands what happened in the patient’s life and knows what primary memory to focus on.
- Preparation: Emotional supervision tactics will be taught to the client to help them control their emotions better.
- Assessment: Now the client determines what negative emotions they feel and what belief they hold that is connected to traumatizing memories.
- DesensitizationDesensitization: The client pays attention to the event while the therapist provides bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tapping, or sound phonic commands.
- Installation: At this stage, negative beliefs that were associated with the sickening experience get substituted with positive ones.
- Body Scan: Clients notice their physical feelings in an effort to determine if the discomfort has been turned down.
- Closure: Sessions wrap up with guided imagery and deep breathing to neutralize any emotions.
- Reevaluation: Follow-up sessions are aimed to measure progress and assist with further healing.
The Science Behind EMDR Therapy
Studies have proven that EMDR assists in restoring the brain’s structure and function for the management of traumatic memories. In the instance of trauma, the brain’s very own processing system is likely to break down due to the trauma experienced. This could lead to the individual’s reminiscence forever being stored as distressful memories. EMDR sets off the capability of the brain to use these memories in cognitive functioning by lessening the emotional involvement and evoking a more positive reaction, thereby incorporating the reminiscences into normal functioning with more integration of emotions.
A research article analyzed in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders stated that EMDR therapy aids in lessening PTSD symptoms for patients within 6 sessions. A different research shown in The European Journal of Psychotraumatology shows how people who suffered traumatizing events experience long-lasting benefits as a result of EMDR therapy sessions.
Conditions That Benefit from EMDR Therapy
Other than the already established use of EMDR in treating PTSD, it can be applied to other mental health issues, such as:
- Anxiety disorders: EMDR enables the individual suffering from phobias and fears to reprocess these negative feelings.
- Depression: Intervention with severe depression caused by trauma can be positively impacted through drastic changes in memory.
- Panic Episodes: EMDR therapy helps lower the frequency and severity of panic attacks through the treatment of underlying traumas.
- Withdrawal From Different Substances: Numerous people with substance use disorder and underlying trauma can benefit from EMDR therapy.
- Persisting Pain: EMDR therapy is used to treat pain associated with trauma.
- Trauma Associated With Sexual Abuse and Assault: EMDR therapy can help lessen emotional pain related to trauma experienced by many survivors
EMDR Therapy in Contrast to the Classical Talk Therapy
Talk therapy tends to depend on the verbal deconstruction of the psychologically damaging events, which can be difficult for some people to process. EMDR does not require the client to articulate the disturbing memories in detail, which enables the person to resolve the memories that they have been unable to fully verbalize and articulate. Thus, it is beneficial for those who have a hard time putting their feelings into words.
Moreover, EMDR therapy is often more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy (which uses patients’ verbalized thoughts to steer the course of treatment). CBT is so slow that it is quite possible not to notice its effects after weeks and months of struggling and trying to unravel your life; nevertheless, the patient is bound to notice some shift after a few sessions of EMDR therapy.
What to Expect in an EMDR Therapy Session
While the duration of each EMDR therapy session differs, it is advisable to set aside 60-90 minutes. In every session, the clients perform bilateral stimulation on a specific traumatic memory, and the therapist facilitates the client’s focus on bilateral stimulation. This aids in reorganizing the memory and desensitizing the troubling emotions tied to it.
Most clients feel emotionally relieved after a few sessions with the therapist, but the total number of sessions a patient must undergo depends on the trauma history and case responsiveness.
Finding The Right Remdr Therapist
In case you’re thinking about EMDR therapy, be sure to consider a licensed mental health professional adept in EMDR techniques. EMDR International Association has certified EMDR therapists, and you can rest assured of their training and experience.
When selecting the therapist, think of the following:
- Experience: Look for a therapist who has undergone a great deal of training in EMDR therapy.
- Specialization: Some therapists tend to focus on specific trauma issues like military PTSD, childhood abuse, or addiction recovery.
- Comfort Level: Trust and rapport with the therapist ease most problems and are a must for effective improvement.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
While EMDR therapy may be effective for many people, it may not be appropriate for everyone. People with the following conditions may require extra care and support prior to proceeding with EMDR therapy: dissociative disorders, severe mental illness, or difficulty regulating distress.
The Role of EMDR Therapy in Holistic Mental Health Care
Professionals in mental health practice are acknowledging EMDR therapy as a core component of a patient’s treatment plan. EMDR therapy is beneficial within a broader emotional care framework when combined with other therapeutic methods, including mindfulness, CBT, and medication.
Moreover, adopting certain lifestyle interventions, such as increased physical activity, better diet, and inhibition of emotions, may also help enhance the outcome of EMDR therapy.7 Healing from trauma is complex and goes beyond destroying the mind; it involves restoring the entire body.
Real-Life Success Stories of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has helped thousands of people change their lives for the better. Here are a few of their success stories:
- Sarah’s Journey: Sarah experienced a bad car accident and, since then, has been experiencing flashbacks and heightened levels of anxiety. She was able to use EMDR therapy to reprocess the traumatic event and regain her confidence in driving.
- Michael’s Recovery from PTSD: A veteran with PTSD experienced relief from his symptoms after undergoing EMDR therapy. He was soon able to reconnect with his family and even sleep through the night.
- Jessica’s Healing from Childhood Trauma: Years of childhood abuse left Jessica paralyzed in fear and self-doubt. But with the help of EMDR therapy, Jessica was able to let go of self-destructive thoughts and build a positive self-image.
The Future of EMDR Therapy
With further research being conducted, more psychological ailments will soon be added to EMDR therapy’s scope. Current research is being done on its utilities for phobia treatment, OCD, and even certain eating disorders. In addition, virtual reality EMDR is being explored as a means to improve the therapy’s effectiveness.
Final Thoughts on EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is an innovative method that allows individuals to recover from traumatic experiences by helping them reprocess painful memories and regain control over their emotions. If you or someone you know suffers from trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, consider embracing EMDR therapy as a means of recovery.
For additional details, check out EMDR therapy and take your first step towards hope today.
