Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years, but with its growing popularity comes a wave of misconceptions and myths. As a result, many people are left wondering what EMDR is, how it works, and whether it’s right for them.
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored in a “frozen” state, making it difficult for the brain to process them. EMDR uses eye movements, tapping, or sound to stimulate the brain’s processing centers, allowing traumatic memories to be processed and integrated into the brain’s narrative.
EMDR was first developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, an American psychologist. Since its inception, EMDR has been extensively researched and has become a widely accepted treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
Despite its growing popularity, EMDR is often misunderstood.
Here are a few common misconceptions:
- EMDR is hypnosis: EMDR is not the same as traditional hypnosis. While it may involve guided imagery or relaxation techniques, it’s a fully conscious and awake process.
- EMDR is only for PTSD: While EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, it’s been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- EMDR is a quick fix: EMDR is not a quick fix. It’s a process that requires commitment, patience, and dedication.
EMDR can be highly effective in treating a range of mental health conditions.
Some of the benefits of EMDR include:
- Reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression: EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Improved emotional regulation: EMDR can help individuals better regulate their emotions, leading to increased feelings of calm and well-being.
- Enhanced cognitive functioning: EMDR can help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, leading to improved cognitive functioning.
- Releasing old memories, stories, and emotions: EMDR can help clients fully process events, emotions, and somatic sensations to a point where they no longer affect them.
During an EMDR session, you can expect:
- Initial consultation: During your intake session, we’ll discuss your past and your goals for therapy/EMDR
- Establishing a treatment plan: We’ll work together to develop an EMDR sheet that encompasses your goals and what memories, emotions, negative beliefs and body sensations hold you back from achieving them
- Breathing exercises and meditation to get you into a relaxed state and let go of the day
- Processing traumatic memories: We’ll use EMDR techniques to process traumatic memories and reduce symptoms.
- Integration and closure: We’ll work to integrate processed memories into your narrative and provide closure (it takes roughly 5-25 sessions to complete a goal).
While EMDR can be highly effective, it’s not without its limitations and risks. Some potential risks and limitations include:
- Emotional distress during processing: Since EMDR brings up a lot of past emotions and uncomfortable memories, the process can be emotionally challenging, and individuals may experience increased emotional distress.
- Temporary increase in symptoms: EMDR can cause a temporary increase in symptoms, as the brain processes and integrates traumatic memories.
EMDR is a powerful and effective therapy that can help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. While it’s not without its limitations, the benefits of EMDR far outweigh the risks. By understanding the facts and fiction surrounding EMDR, individuals can make informed decisions about their mental health treatment. If you’d like to learn more about EMDR or experience it firsthand, I’d love to work with you!