EMDR Therapy Explained

What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been widely used to treat various mental health conditions.

What Does EMDR Help With? EMDR is primarily used to treat:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Panic attacks

• Phobias

• Grief and loss

• Stress-related issues

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take? The duration of EMDR therapy can vary depending on the individual's needs and the complexity of their issues. Typically, EMDR therapy involves:

• Initial Assessment: 1-2 sessions to understand the client's history and identify target memories.

• Treatment Sessions: Each session lasts about 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions required can range from 6 to 12 for simpler issues, but more complex cases may require additional sessions.

How is EMDR Therapy Conducted? EMDR therapy involves eight phases:

1. History Taking: Gathering information about the client's past and identifying traumatic memories.

2. Preparation: Building a therapeutic relationship and explaining the EMDR process.

3. Assessment: Identifying specific memories to target and measuring their impact.

4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, taps, or sounds) while the client focuses on the traumatic memory.

5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs related to the memory.

6. Body Scan: Checking for residual physical tension associated with the memory.

7. Closure: Ensuring the client feels stable and safe at the end of each session.

8. Reevaluation: Assessing progress and determining if further sessions are needed.

How is EMDR Therapy Done Online? Online EMDR therapy follows the same principles as in-person sessions but utilizes digital tools to facilitate the process. Here's how it typically works:

• Video Conferencing: Sessions are conducted via secure video calls.

• Digital Tools for Bilateral Stimulation: Therapists use software or apps that provide visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli to mimic the bilateral stimulation used in traditional EMDR.

• Preparation and Safety: Therapists ensure clients have a safe and private space for sessions and provide guidelines for managing distress during and after the session.

Benefits of Online EMDR Therapy:

• Accessibility: Clients can access therapy from the comfort of their homes, which is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas.

• Flexibility: Online sessions can be scheduled more conveniently, accommodating different time zones and personal schedules.

• Continuity: Clients can continue therapy even if they move or travel, ensuring consistent progress.

Success Rates of EMDR Therapy

Effectiveness: EMDR therapy has been extensively studied and has shown high success rates, particularly for treating PTSD. Research indicates that EMDR can be effective for 77-90% of individuals with PTSD 1. For example, one study found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after just six sessions of EMDR therapy 1. This success rate is significantly higher than many other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and traditional talk therapy.

Other Conditions: EMDR has also been effective in treating a range of other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and panic disorders 1.

Side Effects of EMDR Therapy

While EMDR is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of:

1. Intense Emotional Reactions:

   • During or after sessions, individuals may experience strong emotional or physical reactions as they process traumatic memories 2.

2. Resurgence of Repressed Memories:

   • EMDR can sometimes bring up repressed traumatic memories, which can be distressing 2.

3. Incomplete Processing:

   • If the processing of a traumatic memory is not completed within a session, it might leave the individual in a heightened state of distress 2.

4. Tiredness:

   • Many people report feeling tired after an EMDR session, which is likely due to the brain working hard to reprocess memories and make new connections3.

5. Temporary Increase in Distress:

   • Some individuals may experience a temporary increase in distress or anxiety as they confront and process traumatic memories.

Conclusion

EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions, with success rates significantly higher than many other therapeutic approaches. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and to work with a trained and experienced therapist to ensure the best outcomes and manage any distress that may arise during the therapy process.

If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!

1: Grigore Counselling & Associates 2: Simply Psychology 3: Choosing Therapy

1. EMDR Therapy Session

   • Cost: $200 - $250 per session

   • Description: EMDR sessions may require longer durations, often around 90 minutes. The cost can vary depending on the provider.