What is EMDR Therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy? It’s a psychotherapy approach that has gained widespread attention in recent years for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health conditions, let’s look further into what is EMDR therapy.
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that involves eight phases of treatment, it involves using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help individuals process and reprocess traumatic memories and negative beliefs. .
The eight stages of EMDR Therapy.
The first phase involves gathering information about the individual’s history and identifying specific target memories or negative beliefs that are related to the trauma or issue being addressed.
The second phase involves preparing the individual for the therapy and teaching them coping skills to manage any distress that may arise during the process.
The third phase involves bilateral stimulation, which is typically achieved through eye movements, but can also be done with sounds or physical taps.
The therapist will guide the individual in focusing on the target memory while simultaneously engaging in the bilateral stimulation.
In the fourth phase, the individual is asked to report on any new thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise during the stimulation. This helps the individual process the memory and integrate any new insights or perspectives.
In the fifth phase, the therapist assesses the individual’s level of distress and adjusts the therapy accordingly. If the individual is still experiencing significant distress related to the target memory, the therapist may return to phase three and repeat the process.
The sixth phase involves strengthening positive beliefs and reinforcing the progress made during the therapy.
In the seventh phase, the individual is asked to identify any remaining related memories or issues that may require further treatment.
The final phase involves evaluating the progress made and setting future goals for therapy.
What is EMDR therapy a useful treatment for
EMDR has been found to be useful in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions, particularly those related to trauma.
Research has shown that EMDR is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
EMDR has also been found to be helpful in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and phobias. It can be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, including childhood abuse, natural disasters, or combat.
In addition to trauma-related symptoms, EMDR has been used to treat other mental health conditions, including panic attacks, eating disorders, and addiction. It has also been found to be useful in improving self-esteem, reducing chronic pain, and enhancing performance in sports and other activities.
Overall, EMDR is a versatile and effective therapy that can be helpful for a wide range of symptoms and conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have experienced a traumatic event, EMDR may be worth exploring as a potential treatment option.
It is important to work with a licensed therapist who has been trained in EMDR to ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment.
Who is EMDR suitable for?
Now we’ve discussed what is EMDR Therapy, let’s look at who EMDR therapy is suitable for.
EMDR is a therapy approach that can be suitable for all ages.
Children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events or have symptoms of PTSD may also benefit from EMDR.
The therapy can be adapted to suit the child’s age and developmental level, and it may involve the use of play or other techniques to help the child process their emotions and memories.
Overall, EMDR can be a suitable therapy for anyone who is struggling with trauma-related symptoms or other mental health conditions.
However, it is important to work with a licensed therapist who has been trained in EMDR to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.
The therapist will work with the individual to determine if EMDR is an appropriate treatment option and will tailor the therapy to suit their unique needs and circumstances.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of EMDR therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the individual’s symptoms and the complexity of the issues being addressed.
Generally, EMDR therapy sessions can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, and a full course of treatment may involve 6 to 12 sessions. However, some individuals may require more or fewer sessions depending on their unique needs and circumstances.
It is important to note that EMDR therapy is a process that takes time and may involve significant emotional work, but many individuals find that the benefits of the therapy are well worth the effort.
How do you know if EMDR is right for you?
If you are unsure if EMDR is right for you, the best course of action is to speak with a licensed therapist who has been trained in EMDR, simply book a free consultation with one of our specialists using the form below.
The therapist can assess your symptoms and help you determine if EMDR is an appropriate treatment option for your unique needs and circumstances.
They can also provide you with more information about the therapy and answer any questions you may have. It is important to work with a licensed therapist who has experience in EMDR to ensure that the therapy is safe and effective.
In conclusion, EMDR therapy is a promising approach to treating trauma and other mental health conditions. By utilizing bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps individuals process and reprocess traumatic memories and negative beliefs.
What is EMDR Therapy, the studies.
Studies have shown that EMDR can effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. With the help of a trained therapist, individuals can explore the basics of EMDR and work towards overcoming emotional difficulties related to trauma.
Reference to a study on EMDR therapy and its effectiveness:
Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003388. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
This study is a systematic review of various psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults, including EMDR therapy.
The authors concluded that EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD and may be as effective as other trauma-focused therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
