What is EMDR?

What is EMDR?

Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the late 1980s. Researchers extensively studied EMDR and confirmed its effectiveness in treating trauma. Over time, therapists expanded its use to help clients address a variety of challenges. EMDR operates on the idea that trauma and distressing experiences can get “stuck” in the brain, preventing proper processing. These unprocessed memories can trigger symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional dysregulation.

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model explains how both positive and negative experiences shape a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions. Past experiences act as a lens through which individuals navigate life, influencing how they see the world and approach challenges. For those who have experienced trauma or adversity, these past events may contribute to struggles with self-doubt, depression, or interpersonal conflicts in adulthood. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of these memories through bilateral stimulation, helping the brain store them in a healthier, more adaptive way.

Is EMDR right for me?

Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process, so it’s essential to determine whether EMDR suits your needs. This therapy can help address a range of concerns, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, performance anxiety, and PTSD. You can use EMDR as a standalone treatment or alongside traditional talk therapy.

To determine your readiness for EMDR, a therapist will assess several factors, including your ability to tolerate physical sensations, regulate emotions, and maintain stability in daily life. Your therapist will guide you in deciding whether EMDR is the right fit.

What can I expect?

EMDR consists of eight phases:

Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning

Your therapist gathers background information and creates a treatment plan focused on the traumatic events you want to reprocess. As part of this process, they will assess your internal and external resources.

Phase 2: Preparation

You and your therapist will build a strong therapeutic alliance, which is crucial for managing any emotional distress that may arise. The therapist will explain EMDR, set expectations, and answer your questions. They will also help you develop coping strategies to regulate emotions during the desensitization phase. To assess dissociation levels, they will administer the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II). While some dissociation is common, high levels may require additional preparation before moving forward.

Phase 3: Assessment

You and your therapist work together to select the event you want to reprocess. During this phase, you may identify associated images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations. Your therapist will then establish baseline measures using the Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales.

Phase 4: Desensitization

The therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation (BLS), which may involve eye movements, sounds, or tapping while you focus on the traumatic event. New thoughts or emotions may arise, and your therapist will check in with you throughout the process.

Phase 5: Installation

Using BLS, you will strengthen the positive belief you want to associate with the target event until it feels true.

Phase 6: Body Scan

By holding both the target memory and the positive belief in your mind, a scan of your body looks for any lingering distress. If discomfort arises, your therapist will help you process these sensations using BLS.

Phase 7: Closure

Each therapist will ensure you return to a calm state, using previously developed coping strategies as needed.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of subsequent sessions, your therapist checks in on the recently processed memory to ensure that distress remains low and the positive belief stays strong.

FAQs

How long does EMDR treatment take?
A typical EMDR session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The number of sessions needed depends on various factors, including your ability to tolerate and respond to treatment. Processing a single traumatic experience may require multiple sessions.

Is EMDR expensive?
EMDR follows standard psychotherapy billing practices, meaning your insurance copays and/or coinsurance will apply.

Can I do EMDR if I meet with my therapist via telehealth?
Yes! Several free online tools make EMDR accessible from anywhere.

Source
https://www.emdria.org/

To experience EMDR or to learn more about EMDR, schedule a session with our author, Neen Tran, LMSW