What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, or EMDR, is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches. It has been researched extensively and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.

What Issues Can EMDR Treat?

EMDR is used to treat a variety of mental health issues including:

• - Panic attacks

• - Complicated grief

• - Dissociative disorders

• - Disturbing memories

• - Phobias

• - Pain disorders

• - Performance anxiety

• - Stress reduction

• - Addictions

• - Sexual and/or Physical abuse

• - Body dysmorphic disorders

• - Personality Disorders

How Exactly Does EMDR Work?

It appears that EMDR has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. This is very beneficial to someone who has experienced a trauma, as their brain cannot process information as it normally does.

To these people, a moment in time becomes “stuck” in their minds, and they experience the trauma, the sounds, smells and images over and over again. This, in turn, effects how they see the world around them and relate to other people.

After a successful EMDR session, the brain can once again process information normally, and the person no longer relives the trauma. While they still remember that the event happened, they are not physically, mentally or emotionally upset by it.

What is perhaps most interesting about EMDR is that it appears to be very similar to what occurs naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. For this reason, EMDR can be considered a physiologically based therapy that helps individuals deal with distressing events in a new and less disturbing way.

What are EMDR Sessions Like?

EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that incorporates eight phases of treatment. How long it takes an individual to experience benefits of this therapy depends on their personal history.

Treatment typically targets three different areas: past memories, present disturbance, and future actions. The goal of this treatment is to process information and experiences differently. Each session aims to leave the patient with healthy emotions, understanding, and fresh perspectives that will ultimately lead to healthy and useful future behaviors and interactions.

How Long Does it Take EMDR to Work?

It is often helpful to have one or two sessions with the individual to fully understand the nature of their problem to determine if EMDR therapy will be an appropriate treatment. During these sessions, the therapist will answer any questions the prospective patient may have about EMDR. Once the therapist and individual agree EMDR is the right way to go, actual therapy may begin.

Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. How many sessions will be required will be based on the type of problem, personal circumstances and the degree of the trauma. EMDR may be used within a standard “talking” therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself.When the pandemic hit, many people began to work with their therapists online. But there were many skeptics who did not believe the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, also known as EMDR therapy, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy, could translate to online platforms. But as the pandemic unfolded and more and more therapists began using EMDR therapy online, it became clear that this protocol was just as effective used virtually as it was in-person.

While anecdotal evidence has its place (and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for online EMDR therapy), scientific research is now emerging that proves the effectiveness of EMDR therapy practiced online. One such study from 2021 is cited in this article.

How is EMDR Therapy Conducted Online?

If you know anything about EMDR, you know that it requires bilateral stimulation. Generally an EMDR therapist would facilitate the movement of their client’s eyes by moving their finger from left to right in front of the client’s face. However, this is not the only means to achieve bilateral stimulation. The client can actually be led to tap their shoulders or knees in a rhythmic sequence.

Thanks to platforms like Zoom, a therapist and her client can conduct face-to-face sessions and bilateral stimulation can still easily be achieved.

Do You Need Help Overcoming Trauma?

EMDR is a highly effective tool for helping individuals heal from trauma. EMDR can also be used successfully to treat anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and more.

Though the pandemic is over, many of my clients choose to continue our EMDR sessions online. They find doing this work from the comfort of their own home helps them feel safe. Online sessions are always secure and confidential.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your first session, please contact us now.

SOURCES:

https://www.emdria.org/research/online-emdr-therapy-recent-research-and-overview/

https://www.bythewellcounseling.com/can-you-do-emdr-therapy-online/

https://emdrhealing.com/online-emdr/