EMDR known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing has emerged as one of the most effective therapies for treating trauma. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is now widely recognized to treat a range of psychological conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety and depression.

Why is EMDR unique and why is it gaining so much attention?

It is an integrative psychotherapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and experiences. This method involves 8 phases that combine integrative approaches. The aim is to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity, allowing the person to heal from distressing events.

The Eight Phases of EMDR:

  1. History and Treatment Planning
    Gather background information about the client and symptoms
    Assessing for the connection of the symptoms between the past and present
  2. Preparation
    Provide information about EMDR, answer any questions, consent
    Teaching emotion management strategies like grounding, breath work and other coping skills
  3. Assessment
    Identify event for EMDR bilateral processing and desensitization
    Assessing for baseline beliefs about self, distress level, emotions and symptom severity prior to desensitization
  4. Desensitization
    Interval sets of 15-30+ seconds of bilateral stimulation, through eye movement, tactile feedback or tapping
    Client practices free association, noticing thoughts, emotions, and/or body sensations that arise during sets
    Clinician gathers feedback on symptom severity and facilitates processing assistance as needed
  5. Installation
    Installing client-selected positive belief with the initial event using 10-15 seconds of bilateral stimulation
    Continue sets until positive belief ranks as “completely true”
  6. Body Scan
    Client conducts a scan of their body from head to toe to reports any residual negative physical sensation
    Works on calming the body and reduce distress
  7. Closure
    Clinician invites client to a period of calm following processing
    Debrief of client’s experience and discussing their post self-care plan
  8. Re-evaluation
    Client and clinician check in during next session about previously processed memory
    Next memory or theme is chosen for future desensitization

What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?

While EMDR is mostly known for treating trauma and PTSD, research indicated it can be effective in training a range of other psychological condition like:

  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Grief and Loss
  • Addictions
  • Childhood emotional and physical abuse
  • Chronic pain (that has psychological component)
  • Eating disorder
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Restructure maladaptive or negative core beliefs

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  • Fast and Effective
  • Non-invasive
  • Empowering
  • Holistic

Are there any side effects of EMDR?

Side effects of EMDR are generally minimal but may include temporary emotional discomfort, such as sadness, anxiety or vivid memories. These effects usually subside after the session and therapist will work with you to manage any distress. Each session is closed with a resource and Therapists usually create a self-care plan to be used post session to ensure that an individual continues to focus on regulating their nervous system. It is important that you work with a trained EMDR therapist who follows the protocols effectively.

What to expect During EMDR Therapy?

During an EMDR therapy session, you’ll be asked to briefly recall the traumatic event you want to work on. You will focus on this memory while the therapist guides you through a set of bilateral stimulations that involves eye movement typically. You might experience vivid memories, emotions or physical sensations during this process, but the therapist will be there to guide and support you through it to process it.

A trained therapist would only engage the client into reprocessing memories when they have ensured that the client is ready and has resources to regulate themselves. More specifically, a therapist ensures with their clinical judgment that the client has a good positive affect tolerance. 

All EMDR therapists at The Trauma Healing Center are formally trained and ensure a safe and supportive environment. To speak to a trained EMDR therapist, contact us today and book your first free consultation. 

Healing from trauma is possible and EMDR could be the key to unlocking that healing.