What is EMDR and could I benefit from it?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR, is a therapy treatment originally designed to reduce stress related to PTSD and other traumas.  This treatment modality has gained a lot of popularity since its founding in the late 1980s and has been utilized as a gold standard treatment for several mental health concerns over the past 25 year.  

So what exactly is EMDR?
EMDR harnesses the brain’s natural tendency to move toward mental health by encouraging the system to consider past disturbing events in a detached way.  The brain does this by following clinician-led bilateral (two ways, side to side, and often left to right) movements or sounds with the goal of replacing maladaptive or negative thoughts with more adaptive or positive thoughts.  The most popular bilateral method uses eye movements which mimics REM sleep (the good, deep, reparative sleep).
So you’re saying it’s hypnosis?

No, it’s not hypnosis!  The client is fully awake, fully aware, and fully able to control the processing experience.  The processing time is a lot like watching a movie of past life events going by—you might experience them by feeling some of the past emotions and body sensations but you do not have to fully re-experience the event.  

How long does EMDR take?

Much like other methods of counseling there is no one answer that fits for everyone.  EMDR is an eight-phase treatment and depends on the presenting concerns of the client as to how quickly they will move through each phase.  Some research does suggest that one processing session is equivalent to 6 talk therapy sessions.

EMDR has 8 phases?

You read that right.  EMDR has 8 phases.  Here’s a brief description of the phase:

Phase 1 is a history taking phase.  These sessions focus on naming memories and events the client wants to processes.  The clinician is evaluating the client’s readiness to begin processing and helps tailor the EMDR treatment to the client.  This is also the best time for clients to share any nervousness they have about processing.

Phase 2 focuses on preparing the client for success by teaching the client specific, detailed self-soothing and coping techniques to handle different levels of emotional stress.

Phases 3-6 are the processing phases and take the most time.  These are the sessions where bilateral movements are utilized and memories are processed.  

Phase 7 is the closing phase where the processing is evaluated.  

Phase 8 closes the EMDR treatment and addressed progress and future direction.  

Who can benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can be utilized with a variety of clients of all ages (children, teens, and adults) wishing to work through a variety of concerns.  EMDR has had the most success with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Clients with other traumatic and stressful situations, anxiety, and panic disorders have also seen great benefits from EMDR.  If someone is experiencing heightened, distressing, and long-term emotional responses around specific events and experiences they might benefit from EMDR.
How do I get started?

Bethel Haven has an EMDR trained clinician that can help identify if this modality could be helpful for you.  You can call the office to set up an appointment.