If you’ve been searching for effective treatments for trauma or PTSD, you may have come across the term “EMDR therapy.” Short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that has helped countless individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Here’s what you need to know about EMDR therapy, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for you!
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process traumatic memories that may be causing emotional distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require detailed discussion of the trauma. Instead, it focuses on changing the way the brain processes traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—often in the form of guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. This process allows clients to desensitize emotional responses and form healthier, more adaptive associations with those memories (Shapiro, 2001).
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy typically follows an eight-phase treatment plan:
- History and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about your history, symptoms, and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, establishes trust, and helps you develop coping strategies for emotional distress.
- Assessment: Together, you identify specific memories, negative beliefs, and emotions to target during therapy.
- Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist helps you reprocess the targeted memory until it no longer evokes intense emotions.
- Installation: Positive beliefs about yourself replace the negative associations linked to the memory.
- Body Scan: You notice any residual tension or discomfort in your body and address it through further processing.
- Closure: Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure you leave feeling calm and secure.
- Reevaluation: At the start of each session, the therapist checks on your progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.
How Can EMDR Therapy Help With PTSD?
PTSD often results from traumatic experiences that become “stuck” in the brain, making it difficult for individuals to process and move past them. These unprocessed memories can trigger symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness (Van der Kolk, 2014).
EMDR therapy helps by:
- Reducing Emotional Distress: EMDR desensitizes the emotional impact of traumatic memories, making them feel less overwhelming.
- Challenging Negative Beliefs: Traumatic experiences often lead to negative self-perceptions like “I’m not safe” or “I’m powerless.” EMDR helps replace these beliefs with more empowering ones.
- Improving Daily Functioning: By resolving trauma-related distress, individuals often experience better relationships, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety or depression.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
While EMDR is most commonly associated with treating PTSD, it can also be effective for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Chronic pain
- Stress related to medical conditions
It’s particularly helpful for individuals who feel stuck in their healing process or struggle to talk about their trauma in traditional therapy settings (Shapiro, 2001).
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy sessions at Freedom Within are typically 53-55 minutes long. While it’s normal to feel some emotional discomfort when revisiting traumatic memories, your therapist will ensure you have the tools to manage these feelings safely.
The number of sessions needed varies based on the complexity of your trauma and your unique needs, but many individuals begin to notice relief within just a few sessions.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re ready to work through trauma but feel hesitant about traditional talk therapy, EMDR might be a good fit. It offers a structured, effective approach to healing without requiring you to relive every detail of your trauma.
Thinking EMDR might be a good option for you? If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR or starting your healing journey, FWC has therapists trained in this powerful technique. Contact us today to take the first step toward reclaiming your life from PTSD.
References
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.