EMDR: Answers To The Most Frequently Asked Questions!

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become a powerful tool in treating trauma and other mental health issues. Let's explore EMDR therapies most frequently asked questions, starting with basic ones and progressing towards more advanced concepts.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people heal from upsetting experiences. It uses eye movements or other back-and-forth movements to help the brain process difficult memories. The goal is to make these memories less distressing over time.

How does EMDR work?

During EMDR, you focus on a troubling memory while following the therapist's finger or a light moving back and forth. This helps both sides of your brain work together to process the memory. It's like your brain is "unsticking" the memory and filing it away properly.

What happens in an EMDR session?

In an EMDR session:

1. You'll think about a distressing memory.

2. Your therapist will guide you through sets of eye movements or other types of back-and-forth movements.

3. You'll notice what comes to mind without trying to change it.

4. Between sets, you'll talk about what you experienced.

5. This process continues until the memory becomes less upsetting.

What are the 8 steps of EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy has 8 main steps:

1. History Taking: Your therapist learns about your past and plans your treatment.

2. Preparation: You learn ways to handle emotional stress.

3. Assessment: You choose a specific memory to work on.

4. Desensitization: You focus on the memory while doing eye movements.

5. Installation: Your therapist helps you strengthen positive beliefs.

6. Body Scan: You notice any leftover tension in your body.

7. Closure: Your therapist makes sure you feel okay at the end of each session.

8. Re-evaluation: You and your therapist check your progress at the start of the next session.

How long does each phase of EMDR take?

The time for each phase of EMDR can vary:

1. History Taking: 1-2 sessions

2. Preparation: 1-4 sessions

3. Assessment: Usually part of one session

4. Desensitization: Can take several sessions

5. Installation: Often done in one session

6. Body Scan: Usually part of one session

7. Closure: Happens at the end of each session

8. Re-evaluation: Ongoing throughout treatment

A full course of EMDR therapy usually takes 6-12 sessions, but this can be different for each person. Only one memory can be processed at a time. Therefore, an individual with complex PTSD, who carries multiple traumatic memories, will probably require an extended EMDR treatment to effectively address and process all of these memories.

What should I expect to feel during EMDR?

During EMDR, you might:

1. Feel physical sensations like tingling or warmth

2. Experience different emotions

3. See clearer or changed memories

4. Gain new insights about the event

5. Find the eye movements strange at first

Remember, everyone's experience is unique.

How does EMDR help release trauma?

EMDR helps release trauma by:

1. Activating your brain's natural healing processes

2. Allowing you to process traumatic memories safely

3. Reducing the emotional charge of traumatic memories

4. Helping you develop new, healthier beliefs about yourself and the event

5. Changing how traumatic memories are stored in your brain

What happens after EMDR?

After an EMDR session, you might:

1. Feel more emotional than usual

2. Have vivid dreams

3. Remember new things

4. Feel physically tired

5. Notice changes in your thoughts or feelings for a few days

These effects are usually temporary and part of the healing process.

Is EMDR the same as other therapies?

EMDR is different from other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). While they all aim to help with mental health, EMDR focuses on processing traumatic memories using eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.

Can I do EMDR on my own?

While it's possible to try EMDR-like techniques at home, it's not recommended. EMDR is a complex therapy that needs proper guidance. Trying it alone might lead to unexpected emotional reactions that could be hard to handle without professional help.

Can EMDR be done virtually?

Yes, EMDR can be done online. Many therapists now offer EMDR sessions through video calls. They use digital tools to guide the eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. However, you'll need a good internet connection and a private, comfortable space for your sessions.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can help people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or other upsetting life events. However, it's not suitable for everyone. People with certain mental health conditions or those in unsafe life situations might need other treatments first.

How do I find a good EMDR therapist?

To find a good EMDR therapist:

1. Check professional EMDR associations for certified therapists

2. Look for therapists with additional mental health qualifications

3. Ask about their experience with your specific issues

4. Inquire about their EMDR training

5. Trust your feelings – you should feel comfortable with your therapist

Why is EMDR so powerful?

EMDR is powerful because it directly targets how traumatic memories are stored in the brain. Unlike talk therapies that focus on changing thoughts, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. Many people report feeling better more quickly with EMDR compared to other therapies.

When not to use EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy should not be used:

• Dissociation has been dealt with effectively.

• A proper sleeping hygiene is in place.

• When a person is in an actively abusive situation

• If someone lacks basic safety or stability in their life

• For individuals with severe mental health conditions like active psychosis

• When someone is unable to tolerate strong emotions

• If a person is unwilling or unable to commit to the full treatment process

Can you do EMDR while on antidepressants?

Yes, you can generally do EMDR while on antidepressants. Many people successfully combine EMDR with medication treatment. However, it's crucial to inform your EMDR therapist about any medications you're taking so they can work with your prescribing doctor to ensure the treatments complement each other.

What is the negative effect of EMDR?

Potential negative effects of EMDR include:

• Temporary increase in distress or emotional sensitivity

• Vivid or disturbing dreams

• Emergence of new memories or emotions

• Physical symptoms like headaches or nausea

• Feeling emotionally drained after sessions

• These effects are usually temporary and part of the healing process.

What are the exclusion criteria for EMDR?

Exclusion criteria for EMDR might include:

• Active substance abuse that interferes with cognitive functioning

• Severe dissociative disorders that aren't well-managed

• Psychotic disorders that aren't stabilized

• Severe personality disorders that affect emotional regulation

• Current involvement in a dangerous or abusive situation

How long do EMDR side effects last?

EMDR side effects typically last several hours to a few days. The duration can vary depending on individual factors and the intensity of the processed material. Most people start feeling better within 24-48 hours after a session.

Conclusion: Resolution of EMDR's Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding EMDR can be a journey. From learning what it is to exploring its effects on the brain, each step brings new insights. Whether you're considering EMDR for yourself or just curious about it, remember that it's a powerful tool that has helped many people heal from trauma and other distressing experiences.