Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been around for the past 30 years. Yet, it is only now becoming a widely-used psychotherapy model for treating a multitude of issues, including post-traumatic stress. EMDR is a fascinating and ultimately beneficial type of therapy that shines light into dark periods of our lives. But what is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Although we should always contact our doctor before trying a new type of therapy, EMDR might be helpful if we are dealing with anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or the emotional repercussions of abuse or neglect. Let’s take a closer look at what is EMDR therapy and how does it work.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
So, what is EMDR therapy and how does it work? First noted and studied by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1897, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people in working through difficult emotions that have arisen in lieu of traumatic life events. As of now, there have been over 30 studies conducted on EMDR therapy. Many of them reflect positive therapeutic outcomes for participants post-traumatic stress from singular or multiple traumas.
Given its effectiveness in treating major memory-based traumas, EMDR therapy is also now popularly used by therapists to treat symptoms of anxiety, and depression. It also focuses on other conditions which lead an individual to experience a low sense of self-worth or hopelessness.
What Types of Symptoms Can EMDR Therapy Treat?
If one is still wondering what is EMDR therapy and how does it work, one should know that EMDR was primarily developed to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it has been successfully employed in the treatment of individuals dealing with a wide array of issues. These issues can include:
- The death of a loved one;
- An accident that resulted in physical and/or psychological harm;
- Phobias;
- Childhood traumas;
- Insomnia;
- Witnessing or being the victim of a crime;
- Enduring a natural disaster;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Illnesses;
- Various types of abuse or neglect;
- Anger;
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
It has been found that EMDR is most effective when it is used in combination with other forms of treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or medications. Overall, EMDR seems to do the best at treating the following symptoms:
- Depression;
- Memories stemming from a traumatic event;
- A lack of motivation;
- Severe anxiety;
- Emotions resulting from relationship issues;
- The fear of being alone;
- Struggling to trust other people;
- Intense and ultimately unrealistic self-shaming and guilt.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy is generally administered in eight different phases. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, tactical stimulation, or eye movements, EMDR triggers opposing sides of the brain and allows for the release of trapped memories that linger in the body’s nervous system.
This essentially allows the neurophysiological aspect of the body to clear out these emotional blockages. Then it can become more balanced and harmonious.
It turns out that EMDR can have a positive effect on how our brain processes information. Hence, a successful therapy will not only rid the person of all those distressing thoughts and physical sensations associated with his or her past experiences but will also restore the normal information processing of the brain.
Although there are other types of therapies that seek the same outcome, the involvement of eye movements in EMDR therapy is what makes it very distinct.
EMDR Therapy Sessions
Let’s break down what is EMDR therapy and how does it work in terms of each session. EMDR therapy centers around an eight-phase approach to treatment.
- In Phase 1, the therapist and client discuss why the client is seeking treatment. Then, together, they plan the course of the therapy sessions. The first major step is working together to identify and define the targets that created issues for the client.
- In Phase 2, the therapist takes time to explain EMDR therapy, how it works, and what the client should expect. This is essentially the preparation part of treatment. It allows the client to ask questions and learn tips for relaxation.
- Then, in Phase 3, the therapist and client assess the client’s negative beliefs about themselves. The client chooses more positive beliefs to replace the negative ones. The assessment is made using the 1-7 Validity of Cognition scale.
- In Phase 4, the client learns how to deal with their emotional responses to events or things that they associate with the targeted traumatic memory.
- This is followed by the installation of the positive beliefs the client identifies in the preparation process. Therefore, this compromises Phase 5.
- Phase 6 involves the client noticing any reduction in tension or other physiological responses. The response comes to when the target is brought to mind. Therapy is successful when the client reports no bodily tension at all when the target appears in mind.
- Phase 7 brings closure. The client should feel controlled and comfortable with their target emotions and memories outside of the counseling office.
- Finally, Phase 8 involves the client re-evaluating their progress with the therapist. Therapy is then complete when the individual feels they have experienced genuine and enduring relief.
Session Duration
Depending on the severity of symptoms, total necessary sessions can number above ten. Phase 1 generally lasts for one or two sessions. Then, Phase 2 can take anywhere between one and four sessions. The goal is not for a speedy recovery but for a lasting one. So, some people might need more sessions than others.
Each EMDR session generally ranges from 60 to 90 minutes. Session length tends to vary by clinicians and their set schedules.
EMDR Therapy Outcomes
Although each person’s case is a bit different, they often reach their target objectives. Therefore, most clients experience a successful Phase 8. In 2014, Shapiro released a report stating that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy she had reviewed showed that EMDR therapy is quicker and/or more effective than CBT for people with emotional trauma. The report also noted that, during the eye movement component of the therapy, clients experience a major decrease in the vividness of their targeted traumatic memories and/or negative emotional responses.
Of course, studies are still being conducted as to what is EMDR therapy and how does it work for a variety of clients. Overall, it appears that EMDR therapy is highly successful in providing clients with physical and emotional relief from their past traumatic experiences.
EMDR Side Effects
Undergoing EMDR treatment is quite an intense experience for the person involved. While many are claiming to have seen the improvements in people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the therapy, the whole process is not without some drawbacks.
Ironically, the reason for the person’s emotional distress will have to be brought up during the appropriate EMDR session. Hence, the person may have to deal with the exact same feelings again that he or she felt during a traumatic event. Some people may also experience elevated emotions and physical sensations along with some dreams as side-effects of the therapy.
Moreover, the painful flashbacks can also potentially cause migraines and anxiety in some people. Others will break down during a session due to the intense feelings of distress and pain involved in the process.
Who can provide EMDR therapy?
An EMDR therapist can provide any person seeking to undergo EMDR therapy the treatment that they seek. Note that EMDR therapists are the only people who are equipped with the professional knowledge and training on how to properly perform the procedures involved based on the standards set by the EMDR International Association.
Wrapping Up
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDT) therapy is not a new form of treatment for trauma and negative emotions. But it is quickly gaining ground due to the empirical evidence that supports its success. If one has experienced a traumatic event and/or is dealing with negative self-beliefs, EMDR therapy might be able to provide them with the relief they deserve.
EMDR therapy is an effective way to help traumatized and distressed people move forward from a bad experience or a painful memory. Who would have thought that a couple of eye movements mimicked from REM sleep can already do so much to improve our emotional state and body sensations?
On top of that, the best thing about EMDR therapy is that it helps people learn to see the world from a different perspective–one that is full of positivity and acceptance. At the same time, it doesn’t take away the reality of our past. We may still have some memories of a particularly distressing event but this time, it no longer gives us the same feelings as it used to.
EMDR therapy is not the easiest way out from a haunting past. However, its promising results make it worth going through the intense emotional roller coaster that will ultimately lead us out of that trapping memory.
For further questions about what EMDR therapy is and how it works, do not hesitate to reach out to an EMDR therapist. With their expertise, an EMDR therapist can help us reclaim our peace of mind.
Images: pixabay.com.
