EMDR Frequently Asked Questions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to treat individuals who have experienced traumatic events. The therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain than other memories, and that by recalling these memories while engaging in certain types of bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), the memories can be processed and integrated into the individual's overall life story. This process can help individuals to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. It is also used to treat a wide range of mental health disorders, phobias, and even physical symptoms that are caused by emotional issues.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from a distressing issue and allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

EMDR therapy can be used to treat a wide range of traumatic memories, including those related to:

·  Accidents and natural disasters

·  Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

·  Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)

·  Chronic Illness and medical issues

·  Combat experiences

·  Depression and bipolar disorders

·  Dissociative disorders

·  Eating disorders

·  Grief and loss

·  Medical procedures

·  Pain

·  Performance anxiety

·  Personality disorders

·  Physical assault

·  PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues

·  Sexual assault

·  Sleep disturbance

·  Substance abuse and addiction

·  Sudden death of a loved one

·  Violence and abuse

·  Witnessing violence

It can also be used to treat other types of emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. EMDR therapy is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions related to traumatic experiences.

It is important to note that EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and that it may not be appropriate for everyone. It is important for individuals to discuss their specific needs and concerns with a qualified therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy before starting the treatment.

Anyone can experience intense trauma. EMDR therapy is widely considered one of the best treatments for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and it has been endorsed as an effective therapy by many organizations.

While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.

Traumatic memories are thought to be stored in a different way in the brain than other types of memories. Research has suggested that when a traumatic event occurs, the brain's normal process of encoding and storing memories is disrupted. Instead of being stored in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories, traumatic memories are thought to be stored in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for the processing of emotions. This is thought to be why traumatic memories can be so vivid and emotionally charged, and why they can be triggered by seemingly unrelated events.

Additionally, when a traumatic event occurs, the individual may be in a state of high arousal, which can make it difficult for the brain to process and store the information in a way that makes sense. This can lead to the memory being stored in a fragmented and disordered way, which can make it difficult for the individual to make sense of the event and integrate it into their overall life story. This is one of the reasons why people who have experienced traumatic events may re-experience the event through flashbacks or nightmares.

EMDR therapy is thought to work by helping the brain to process and integrate traumatic memories in a way that makes sense, which can help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of PTSD. By recalling the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, the brain is able to process and integrate the memory in a way that it wasn't able to do initially, which can lead to a reduction or elimination of symptoms.

EMDR therapy is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions related to traumatic experiences, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be appropriate for everyone and the effectiveness of the therapy can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their traumatic experiences.

While EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of PTSD, it is not a "quick fix" solution. The number of sessions required for EMDR therapy can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their traumatic experiences. Some people may see improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require more. It's also important to note that EMDR therapy works best when combined with other forms of therapy and self-care practices, such as counseling, medication, and relaxation techniques.

It's also important to remember that healing from trauma takes time and that it's a process. It's not something that can be fixed overnight, and it's important for individuals to be patient with themselves and their progress. It's also important for individuals to work with a qualified therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy and who can provide the support and guidance needed throughout the process.

EMDR therapy typically involves several phases:

1. History-taking and assessment: During the first phase, the therapist will gather information about the client's history, including any traumatic events they have experienced and the symptoms they are currently experiencing. The therapist will also assess the client's overall mental and physical health and determine if EMDR therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
2. Preparation: The therapist will then work with the client to prepare them for the EMDR therapy sessions. This may include teaching the client relaxation techniques and other coping strategies to help them manage their symptoms.
3. Desensitization: In this phase, the therapist will guide the client through the process of recalling the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or tones. This process is designed to help the brain process and integrate the memory in a way that makes sense. The therapist will monitor the client's level of distress and adjust the pace of the therapy as needed.
4. Installation: During the installation phase, the therapist will work with the client to help them develop a positive belief or thought about themselves related to the traumatic memory. The therapist will guide the client through the process of rehearsing this new belief while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
5. Body scan: In this phase, the therapist will guide the client through a body scan, which is a process of checking the body for any remaining physical sensations related to the traumatic memory.
6. Closure: The therapist will end the session by providing the client with appropriate self-care instructions and discussing the next steps in the therapy.
7. Re-evaluation: The therapist will evaluate the progress of the therapy by reviewing the client's symptoms and any changes that have occurred.