Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) helps individuals process and heal from trauma. By using guided eye movements, EMDR aims to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories. In this article, we’ll explore what EMDR is, how it functions, its benefits, and what to expect during therapy sessions.
Key Takeaways
-
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy employs bilateral stimulation to help individuals reprocess and heal from traumatic memories rapidly, by diminishing the emotional intensity associated with these memories.
-
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase structured approach, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized treatment process for clients.
-
EMDR therapy is widely recognized and endorsed by major organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, with numerous clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness in treating PTSD and other mental health conditions, often showing faster results compared to traditional therapies.
What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Designed as a nontraditional psychotherapy technique, EMDR therapy aids individuals in healing from trauma. It uses rapid, rhythmic eye movements to diminish the potency of emotionally charged memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy focuses on treating those who have experienced distressing, traumatic events, with the goal of facilitating faster healing compared to many other therapeutic methods.
At the heart of EMDR therapy lies the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma memories are stored in the brain in a way that prevents healthy healing. These improperly stored memories can be triggered by various stimuli, causing overwhelming feelings and emotional distress. EMDR therapists help reprocess these memories, enabling the brain to resume its natural healing process and making the associated emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more manageable.
EMDR therapy primarily aims to:
-
Facilitate a relatively quick recovery from trauma and other distressing experiences for individuals
-
Address the root cause of emotional wounds
-
Offer a pathway to lasting recovery
-
Allow individuals to reclaim their lives from the shadows of their past.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Operating on the principle of bilateral stimulation, EMDR therapy employs side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. This aids the brain in processing and reframing traumatic memories. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client to focus on a specific distressing event while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This method aims to bypass the brain area stuck due to trauma, allowing the left brain to soothe the right brain and facilitating the processing of the traumatic memory.
The Rapid Eye Movement aspect of EMDR therapy, which frequently involves observing the therapist’s moving finger, extends beyond just eye movements. Alternative methods, such as tapping or musical tones, can also be used to create the necessary bilateral stimulation. This approach helps clients reprocess and reframe their traumatic memories, making them less distressing without erasing them.
The power of EMDR therapy stems from its ability to:
-
Harness the brain’s natural healing and traumatic experience processing capacity
-
Use bilateral stimulation to facilitate the brain’s ability to reframe painful memories
-
Reduce the emotional charge of these memories
-
Allow individuals to move forward with their lives
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
With a structured eight-phase approach, EMDR therapy promotes swift information processing and healing. These phases include:
-
History-taking and treatment planning
-
Preparation
-
Assessment
-
Desensitization
-
Installation
-
Body scan
-
Closure
-
Reevaluation
Each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring the therapy is tailored to the individual’s needs and progresses smoothly.
Providing a treatment roadmap, the eight phases of EMDR therapy guide the therapist and client through a thorough process to address and heal traumatic memories. This structured approach ensures that EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution but is highly individualized to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Known as History and Treatment Planning, the first phase of EMDR therapy sets the groundwork for the therapeutic process. During this phase, the therapist takes a comprehensive history of the client, discussing the specific problem and symptoms that brought them to therapy. This initial step is crucial for understanding the client’s background and identifying the specific targets for EMDR therapy, which include past traumatic events, present triggers, and future skills that may need to be developed.
Together, the therapist and client develop a treatment plan that focuses on selecting and pacing the traumatic events to be processed. Early sessions are dedicated to discussing the client’s goals and improving their ability to manage distress, setting a solid foundation for the therapeutic journey ahead.
Phase 2: Preparation and Stress Reduction
In the preparation phase, the aim is to establish a secure foundation for subsequent EMDR sessions. Building a relationship of trust between the client and therapist is integral during this phase. Therapists teach clients specific techniques to manage emotional disturbances swiftly, equipping them with tools to handle emotional distress that may arise during and between sessions.
Clients are also taught self-soothing techniques to handle emotional disturbances that may arise between sessions. This preparation ensures that clients feel empowered and ready to engage in the deeper work of processing traumatic memories.
Phases 3-6: Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, and Body Scan
In Phase 3, known as Assessment, the therapist and client pinpoint the specific traumatic event and the associated beliefs, feelings, and sensations. Baseline measures are set using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales, which help gauge the intensity of distress and the strength of positive beliefs.
During the Desensitization phase, or Phase 4, the client focuses on the traumatic event while undergoing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps, until their distress levels diminish. This phase targets and resolves disturbing emotions through continuous bilateral stimulation. The goal is to reach a peaceful resolution where the troubling memory no longer elicits intense distress.
Phase 5 (Installation) involves associating a positive belief with the target event and reinforcing it until it feels entirely true to the client. This phase strengthens the positive belief identified during the assessment phase, replacing the negative one.
In Phase 6 (Body Scan), the client scans their body from head to toe while holding the target event and positive belief in mind. This process helps identify and address any residual physical disturbances related to the original memory, ensuring a comprehensive healing process.
Phase 7: Closure
Phase 7, also known as Closure, aims to ensure the clients’ stability and safety before concluding each session. Regardless of whether the reprocessing is complete, the therapist helps the client return to a state of calm, ensuring they leave the session feeling better than when they started.
Clients are also briefed on what to expect between sessions, including the possibility of continued processing of the event and new material arising.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
The reevaluation phase, which kicks off each new session, involves assessing the client’s progress and defining the treatment’s subsequent steps. This phase involves reviewing recently processed memories to ensure low distress levels and strong positive cognition. Reevaluation helps ensure the treatment effects are maintained and addresses any new issues that may arise, guiding further treatment as needed.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
Beneficial across various age groups, EMDR therapy addresses a broad range of mental health issues. This approach is well-suited for those who have suffered different forms of trauma, including single distressing events or a series of negative experiences. It can be beneficial for individuals seeking help in such situations. The therapy is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and can also benefit those with anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and more.
Individuals who have carried the weight of traumatic memories for years or even decades can find relief through EMDR therapy. It is also useful for those with distressing memories from accidents, natural disasters, and phobias, as well as traumatic experiences and other distressing life experiences. Victims of physical or sexual abuse, individuals with performance anxiety, and those experiencing grief or loss can also benefit from the transformative power of EMDR therapy.
The versatility of EMDR therapy makes it a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of mental health conditions, including those related to veterans affairs, providing hope and healing to many who struggle with the lingering effects of trauma and distressing life experiences.
Effectiveness and Research Behind EMDR
Numerous clinical trials and research studies uphold the effectiveness of EMDR therapy. Since the first clinical trial in 1989, twenty-four randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the positive effects of EMDR therapy in treating emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences. Twelve of these studies noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and the vividness of disturbing images.
Research has shown that EMDR therapy is often more effective and faster than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder. According to a study at Kaiser Permanente, it was found that after an average of six 50-minute EMDR therapy sessions, 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer had post traumatic stress disorder. This suggests the potential effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health found EMDR therapy to be superior to fluoxetine for reducing PTSD and depression symptoms.
Major organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization recommend EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR therapy has been recognized for its effectiveness by these credible institutions. This strong endorsement highlights the therapy’s credibility and effectiveness in helping individuals recover from trauma and distressing life experiences.
Common Misconceptions About EMDR
Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of EMDR therapy, several misconceptions persist. One prevalent myth is that EMDR is a form of hypnosis or mind control, which is far from the truth. Unlike hypnosis, clients remain fully aware and can leave the session anytime they wish. EMDR therapy involves active participation from the client, focusing on processing and reframing traumatic memories.
Another misconception is that self-help apps can replace professional EMDR therapy. The complex neurological processes involved in EMDR therapy require the expertise of a trained therapist. While self-help tools can complement therapy, they cannot substitute the personalized guidance and support provided by a qualified EMDR therapist.
What to Expect During an EMDR Session
EMDR sessions typically last about an hour, although they can vary between 60 to 90 minutes. During the session, clients focus on a specific distressing event, paying attention to:
-
a negative image
-
a belief
-
an emotion
-
a body feeling related to it
The therapist will use side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps while the client focuses on these elements, which may lead to shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs.
EMDR therapy is not a ‘quick fix’ and may take multiple sessions to process a single traumatic experience. Clients have complete control to stop the session at any point if they need to, and the goal is for the client to leave feeling better than when they started. Understanding what to expect can help clients feel more comfortable and prepared for their EMDR sessions in an EMDR practice.
Potential Side Effects and Safety of EMDR
Generally considered safe, EMDR therapy has fewer adverse reactions compared to medications for depression and trauma symptoms. However, like any therapeutic intervention, it can have side effects. Common side effects include:
-
an increase in distressing memories
-
heightened emotions
-
lightheadedness
-
vivid dreams
-
the surfacing of new traumatic memories
These symptoms are typically temporary and tend to resolve as treatment progresses.
Heightened emotions or physical sensations during sessions are also among the potential side effects of EMDR. Some individuals might experience vivid dreams as their brain processes the traumatic memories. Additionally, new traumatic memories may surface during the course of therapy, which can be challenging but also an opportunity for further healing.
Finding a Qualified EMDR Therapist
It’s vital to find a qualified EMDR therapist to guarantee effective treatment. A qualified EMDRIA therapist should have completed extensive training, including at least 40 hours of instruction and practicum as per EMDRIA standards. EMDR Basic Training equips therapists with the necessary skills to practice EMDR therapy, covering theories, treatment planning, and practical application.
To achieve EMDR Certification, practitioners must complete an EMDRIA-approved basic training program, document clinical experience, and undergo both group and individual consultation. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) sets high standards for training programs, ensuring rigorous adherence to program objectives and qualifications for trainers.
Ensuring that your therapist has completed an EMDRIA-approved training program guarantees they meet established criteria and standards.
Role of EMDRIA Therapists
EMDRIA therapists, with their extensive training and expertise, are well-equipped to implement a holistic and integrative approach to EMDR therapy. Their rigorous training ensures they can effectively combine EMDR with other therapeutic modalities, providing clients with a higher standard of care and better therapeutic outcomes.
Importance of a Holistic and Integrative Approach to EMDR
Incorporating a holistic and integrative approach to EMDR therapy can significantly enhance the healing process. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of various therapeutic methods and the benefits of combining them to address the multifaceted nature of trauma and emotional distress.
By integrating EMDR with other treatments and incorporating bilateral stimulation, therapists can provide a more comprehensive and personalized therapeutic experience. Bilateral stimulation, whether through eye movements, tapping, or sounds, can be effectively integrated into various therapeutic modalities, enhancing their efficacy and promoting deeper healing.
Integrating Bilateral Stimulation with Other Therapies
EMDR therapy can be seamlessly integrated with various other therapeutic modalities, including:
-
Attachment-Based Therapies: Combining EMDR with attachment-based therapies can help address the deep-seated emotional wounds related to early attachment issues. Bilateral stimulation in EMDR can enhance the efficacy of these therapies by facilitating the reprocessing of attachment-related trauma. Attachment-focused EMDR can provide a nuanced and effective treatment experience.
-
Schema Therapy (ST): Integrating EMDR with schema therapy can significantly accelerate the healing of maladaptive schemas. Schema therapists utilize bilateral stimulation to reprocess dysfunctional schemas rooted in early life experiences. This powerful combination can lead to profound and lasting changes in clients’ cognitive and emotional patterns.
-
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): EMDR can complement DBT by targeting and reprocessing traumatic memories that contribute to emotional dysregulation. Bilateral stimulation can enhance the effectiveness of DBT skills training, leading to better emotional management for clients.
-
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): When paired with CFT, EMDR can help clients reprocess traumatic memories while fostering self-compassion and reducing self-criticism. This integrative approach can promote a more compassionate and resilient self-view for clients.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): EMDR can be used alongside CBT to reprocess traumatic memories that underpin negative thought patterns. CBT therapists can use bilateral stimulation to enhance the cognitive restructuring process, leading to more effective outcomes for clients.
-
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Integrating EMDR with prolonged exposure therapy can help clients reprocess traumatizing memories while gradually reducing their fear responses. This combination can lead to a more comprehensive and effective treatment for PTSD.
A holistic approach to EMDR therapy allows therapists to tailor the treatment to the unique needs of each client, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
Summary
EMDR therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to healing from trauma and other distressing experiences. Through its eight-phase process, EMDR helps individuals reprocess and reframe traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and facilitating recovery. The therapy’s effectiveness is supported by numerous clinical trials and endorsements from major organizations like the APA, DoD, and WHO.
For those struggling with the lingering effects of trauma, EMDR therapy presents a promising path to lasting healing. By finding a qualified EMDR therapist and understanding what to expect from the process, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward emotional well-being and resilience. If you’re considering EMDR therapy, we encourage you to take the first step and explore this powerful therapeutic option. Take our trauma test to explore your complex trauma.
