What is EMDR Therapy: 6 Things You Need to Know

Within mental health treatments, various methods are available to help individuals with different challenges. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one such method that has gained attention in recent years. 

This innovative approach has shown promise in assisting people in overcoming trauma, anxiety, and other psychological issues. 

So what is EMDR therapy? Here are the six things you need to know.

What is EMDR Therapy? EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy method designed to ease the burden of traumatic memories. 

Unlike regular talk therapy, EMDR throws in some bilateral stimulation – think eye movements, hand tapping, or audio tones – to help process those distressing memories and switch up negative beliefs. 

Developed by Francine Shapiro back in the late 1980s, EMDR has become quite the go-to for tackling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues. 

How EMDR Works

Trauma Gets Stuck: Think of your brain as a computer. Sometimes, traumatic experiences get stuck like a glitch in the system. These memories can loop in your mind, causing constant distress and trouble functioning.

Recalling Memories: In EMDR sessions, a trained therapist helps you bring up these distressing memories. It’s not pleasant, but necessary for fixing the glitch.

Adding External Stimuli:  While you’re getting into these memories, your therapist might introduce something external to focus on, like moving their finger or a sound. It helps snap you out of it.

Natural Healing Kickstarts: With this combination of recalling memories and focusing on external stuff, your brain’s natural healing mechanisms get a boost.  It’s like giving your computer a restart – things start working smoother, and those glitchy memories get processed and integrated better.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy typically consists of eight phases, each designed to systematically address different aspects of the individual’s experience:

1. History-taking and Treatment Planning :Here, the therapist gets into the client’s past to understand their experiences and identify which memories are causing distress. Together, they decide which specific memories to target during the therapy sessions. This phase lays the groundwork for the rest of the treatment.
2. Preparation: Before getting into the intense reprocessing phase, the client learns techniques to manage any overwhelming emotions that may arise. These coping skills and relaxation techniques help the client feel more grounded and ready to tackle the challenging aspects of therapy.
3. Assessment:The therapist assists the client in delving into the specific memories, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with their traumatic experiences. Identifying these elements provides the therapist with insight into the root causes of the client’s distress, facilitating targeted treatment.
4. Desensitization: This is the heart of EMDR therapy, where bilateral stimulation is used to help the client process the target memory. While focusing on the distressing memory, the client experiences external stimuli (like eye movements or tapping) to stimulate both sides of the brain. This process allows the distressing emotions and sensations associated with the memory to gradually diminish.
5. Installation: After desensitization, the therapist assists the client in reinforcing positive beliefs and coping resources, which serve to counteract the negative beliefs associated with the traumatic memory. This strengthening of positive aspects enables the client to navigate similar situations more effectively in the future.
6. Body Scan: With the intense emotional work done, the client takes a moment to check in with their body. This involves noticing any remaining tension or discomfort and using relaxation techniques to release it. The goal is to ensure that the client leaves the session feeling physically and emotionally grounded.
7. Closure: As the session wraps up, the therapist guides the client through relaxation techniques to create a sense of closure and safety. This helps the client transition back to their daily life feeling more balanced and at ease.
8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist may revisit previously processed memories to assess their lasting therapeutic effects. This ongoing evaluation ensures that progress is maintained and any remaining distress is addressed effectively.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy

While originally developed for the treatment of PTSD, EMDR therapy has been adapted to address a wide range of psychological issues, including:

• Trauma: EMDR can help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories resulting from experiences such as accidents, abuse, or natural disasters.
• Anxiety Disorders: EMDR has shown promise in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, and panic disorder.
• Depression: EMDR therapy may be used as an adjunctive treatment for depression, particularly when trauma underlies the individual’s symptoms.
• Addiction: EMDR can be integrated into addiction treatment programs to address underlying trauma and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Performance Enhancement: Some individuals use EMDR therapy to address performance anxiety or overcome barriers to personal growth and development.

What is EMDR Therapy and What to Expect

During an EMDR session, clients can expect to actively participate in the therapeutic process while being supported by a trained therapist. Sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes and may involve:

• Discussion – The therapist and client collaboratively explore the target memory and associated thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
• Bilateral Stimulation – The client engages in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s hand movements or listening to alternating audio tones.
• Processing – The client allows their mind to wander freely while noticing any shifts in thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations.
• Integration – Positive beliefs and coping strategies are reinforced to promote healing and resilience.

Finding an EMDR Therapist

If you’re considering EMDR therapy, it’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced therapist who has received specialized training in this approach. You can start by asking your primary care physician for recommendations or searching online directories for licensed mental health professionals in your area. 

It’s also important to schedule an initial consultation to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in the therapist’s expertise before committing to treatment.

Find Hope and Renewal Through EMDR

EMDR therapy isn’t just another way to get help. It’s a powerful way to heal from tough experiences and feel better. When you understand how it works, you can choose if it’s right for you.  Now is the time to take that crucial first step towards healing. 

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back.

Contact the Houston Center for Counseling today. Our team of experienced therapists is here to provide you with personalized support and guidance on your journey to healing. 

---