What is EMDR therapy?
Introduction to EMDR Therapy - Courtesy of EMDRIA.org
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that invites you to focus briefly on the distressing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements). Developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., EMDR is a series of 8 steps. Research has found that EMDR therapy helps the brain to make new connections so that the unprocessed distressing memories are processed and integrated more fully. In turn, the vividness and emotions related to these memories and the symptoms you experience decrease.
Compared to other therapies, EMDR does not involve talking details about the traumatic or distressing issue. It also does not require completing homework in between sessions. Instead, EMDR activates the natural healing process in the brain so that your trauma or distressing event can be resolved on its own.
When a distressing event happens, intense emotional reactions occur, which diminishes your ability to think clearly. The logical part of your brain goes offline, while the opposite is true for the part of your brain that controls emotions.
Through bilateral stimulation, EMDR activates both the logical and emotional parts of your brain and makes stronger connections between the two. This activation, in turn, helps you see the distressing event more fully and heals the brain naturally. You can now make sense of what happened to you and no longer react to every trigger because the intensity of your emotions and the threat to your safety diminish.
How does EMDR work in the brain?
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is effective in treating individuals with various concerns, including:
Depression
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Eating Disorders
Grief and loss
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues (including birth trauma)
Sexual or physical assault
And many more…
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends on how the individual responds to EMDR and the number, duration, and complexity of the distressing event(s). Generally, individuals would need a total of 6-12 sessions.
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Each EMDR session usually lasts between 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
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EMDR can work by itself or with other therapies. We can use EMDR as a stand-alone or part of an integrated treatment plan.
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Individuals with limited resources to cope with their emotions effectively and those who are actively engaging in high-risk behaviors (e.g., suicide ideation and self-harming) may not be suitable for EMDR in the present moment. We can work on developing skills and coping strategies in the meantime. Once clinically appropriate, we can begin EMDR treatment.