What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing — better known as EMDR — is unlike most other forms of therapy. I’ve written about it before but EMDR definitely warrants a mini-refresher course. This short-term modality comes with virtually no side effects and follows a general order of things. With the help of a therapist, the client selects a negative memory belief, or image. Imagine yourself as the client, and here’s a short version of what happens next:
You focus on the negative image while the therapist performs some specific hand and finger movements. Your eyes follow the therapist’s movement but never lose mental contact with the memory you’ve chosen. As we’ll describe below, this very often results in the resolution of the negative image as it is replaced with a positive belief instead.
How Does All This Exactly Happen?
Since EMDR is obviously nothing like traditional talk therapy, let’s break a typical session down into its parts:
Plenty of time and effort is put into the selection of the client’s focus. It starts with a detailed history being taken, so the therapist can better understand possible sources of distress.
Also in this pre-treatment assessment, the client will be guided to discern a positive belief that can be embedded later in the session.
The hand and finger movements made by an EMDR therapist are designed to induce a state similar to R.E.M. sleep. In such a state, the client can access negative thoughts — including traumatic memories — with little or no chance of being triggered. Their role is to follow the therapist’s movement with their eyes only, without moving their head.
In as few as 6 to 12 sessions, the negative image can be processed and resolved. In its place, a new belief is introduced. The goal is to shift distorted thought patterns into productive a mindset.
What Conditions Can Be Helped Via EMDR?
There are too many options to list, but here is a sampling:
Anxiety
Substance use disorder
Depression
Trauma (PTSD and C-PTSD)
Eating disorders
Personality disorders
Phobias
Sexual assault
Dissociative disorders
Grief
Chronic pain
Sleep problems
Bipolar disorder
Performance anxiety
Psychosis
Self-esteem issues
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
What Are the Documented Benefits of EMDR?
EMDR is an Approach That Facilitates Follow-Through
When struggling with emotional issues and/or a diagnosable mental health disorder, it can be daunting to stay positive and motivated. EMDR, because it’s brief and the results typically show themselves quickly, is easier to commit to. Hence, the success ratio is stellar.
Sustainability
Research demonstrates that the positive outcomes of EMDR therapy are most often long-term and sustainable. Meanwhile, medication will usually require ongoing usage and can lose its effectiveness over time.
Side Effects Are Rare, Temporary, and Minor
This is another check in the EMDR column when compared to medications. As briefly mentioned above, clients who undergo EMDR treatment are not at risk of anything but very minor side effects. When EMDR therapy begins, it’s something new to adjust to. Thus, after the first couple of sessions, clients may report feelings of lightheadedness, an influx of vivid dreams, and an increased access to long-forgotten memories. For a modality designed to process negative memories, this is to be expected and is actually an encouraging sign.
Taking Your First Steps Toward Healing With EMDR
Any post about EMDR treatment will probably inspire questions. Sure, it’s enticing to consider a short-term solution that does not involve medication, but all these eye and finger movements may leave you scratching your head. If so, you’re not alone. That’s why I urge you to make a list of questions and set up a free and confidential consultation. Let’s connect so you can have the information you need to move forward with confidence.