What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of these memories, enabling clients to integrate them more adaptively. Our practice integrates EMDR to support clients in overcoming past trauma, reducing anxiety, and improving overall emotional well-being.
What does EMDR therapy look like?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach designed to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories. Here’s a brief overview of each phase:
History Taking and Treatment Planning: In this initial phase, the therapist gathers detailed information about the client’s history, including traumatic experiences and current symptoms. This helps in identifying target memories and planning the course of therapy.
Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process to the client and establishes a sense of safety and trust. This phase often includes teaching coping strategies and relaxation techniques to help clients manage distress during the process.
Assessment: During this phase, the client identifies specific traumatic memories to target. They focus on the negative beliefs associated with these memories and work on establishing positive beliefs they wish to adopt.
Desensitization: This phase involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the client process the traumatic memory. The aim is to reduce the emotional charge and distress associated with the memory.
Installation: The therapist helps the client strengthen and integrate positive beliefs and perspectives related to the targeted memory. This phase focuses on reinforcing these positive beliefs to replace the old, negative ones.
Body Scan: The client is asked to observe any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the traumatic memory. The therapist helps address and process any remaining bodily sensations.
Closure: The therapist helps the client return to a state of equilibrium by using relaxation techniques and ensuring they feel stable before leaving the session. This phase aims to help clients transition back to their daily life.
Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist and client review progress, assess the effectiveness of the treatment, and address any remaining issues or new concerns. This phase ensures that the positive changes are maintained and integrated over time.
Each phase is designed to build on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive approach to healing and processing traumatic experiences.
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A typical EMDR therapy session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and may require multiple sessions to fully address a traumatic experience. The therapy aims to process and resolve traumatic memories and integrate new, healthy perspectives. The treatment involves a three-pronged approach focusing on past memories, present disturbances, and future actions. While EMDR can often produce quicker results compared to other therapies, the pace varies by individual, depending on factors like the client's history and the complexity of their issues.
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As we hit the 30-year mark for EMDR therapy in 2019, there's plenty of solid evidence backing its effectiveness for treating PTSD. Over 30 studies show it works really well, making it a top choice for PTSD treatment. EMDR is on par with trauma-focused CBT in terms of results and might even be faster and more cost-effective. New research also suggests it's safe and works well for people with other psychiatric issues alongside PTSD.
Reference:
de Jongh, A., Amann, B. L., Hofmann, A., Farrell, D., & Lee, C. W. (2019). The Status of EMDR Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 30 Years After Its Introduction. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 261–269. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.261
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You can learn more about EMDR research, publications, and resources at the EMDR International Association.
Introduction to the 8 phases of EMDR