Exploring the world of mental health treatments can be intimidating. Especially when faced with a myriad of therapies, each with its unique approach.
One such therapy is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Developed in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
But what exactly is EMDR therapy? How does it work, and what makes it different from other therapies?
Whether you’re a mental health professional seeking resources or someone exploring treatment options, this article aims to answer your questions about EMDR therapy.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. The therapy is based on the premise that past emotionally-charged experiences can cause maladaptive reactions in the present.
The treatment involves the patient recalling distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements. EMDR therapy posits that this bilateral stimulation can help with the processing of traumatic memories, reducing their vividness and emotional impact.
The Origins and Evolution of EMDR
EMDR therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. Shapiro’s groundbreaking work has since been recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association as an effective form of treatment for PTSD.
Over the past three decades, EMDR has evolved into a multi-faceted approach. It now incorporates elements of other therapeutic strategies, such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques. This evolution has broadened the scope of EMDR, making it effective for treating conditions like anxiety, depression and panic disorders.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy is based on the premise that past emotionally-charged experiences can cause maladaptive reactions in the present. These reactions can manifest as symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. EMDR therapy aims to alleviate these symptoms by helping people process traumatic memories.
During an EMDR session, the patient recalls distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input. This can include side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones. The bilateral stimulation is believed to aid in the processing of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
The goal of EMDR is to fully process the experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones that are needed for full health. “Processing” does not mean talking about it; it means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences that are causing problems to be “digested” and stored appropriately.
EMDR For PTSD
EMDR therapy has been recognized as an effective form of treatment for PTSD. PTSD is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event, causing them to relive the event through flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety.
EMDR therapy helps to reduce the vividness and emotion associated with the memories of traumatic events. This can lead to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, helping someone to regain control over their lives and their mental health.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a structured approach that is typically divided into eight distinct phases. Each phase plays a crucial role in the overall treatment process, addressing different aspects of the patient’s experience.
Phase 1: History and treatment planning
The first phase of EMDR therapy involves history-taking and treatment planning. The therapist will gather information about the client’s past, focusing on traumatic or distressing experiences. This phase helps to identify potential targets for EMDR processing.
Phase 2: Preparation
In the preparation phase, the therapist establishes trust with the client and explains the treatment process. The client is also taught some self-control techniques to manage emotional distress, ensuring they are ready for the subsequent phases of EMDR therapy.
Phase 3: Assessment
During the assessment phase, the therapist identifies the target memory and its components. These components include the distressing image, negative cognition, affect and body sensation associated with the memory.
Phases 4: Desensitization
Phases 4 to 7 involve the actual treatment.
In the desensitization phase, the client focuses on the distressing memory while the therapist provides bilateral stimulation.
Phase 5: Installation
During the Installation phase, the therapist will use stimulation to help the patient to strengthen positive beliefs until it feels completely true.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The body scan phase is when the patient takes a head to toe scan of themselves to see if any negative sensations arise.
Phase 7: Closure
The closure phase ensures the client leaves each session feeling better than when they arrived.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
The final phase, reevaluation, involves checking that all targeted events have been adequately processed. This phase ensures that the benefits of EMDR therapy are maintained over time and that any new areas of distress are identified for future sessions.
EMDR Trauma Therapy Outcomes and Effectiveness
EMDR therapy has been recognized as an effective treatment for trauma, particularly PTSD, by reputable organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. Research shows that it can also be effective for treating other conditions such as anxiety, depression and panic disorders.
After successful EMDR treatment, patients often experience relief from emotional distress, reformulation of negative beliefs and reduction in physiological arousal. The effectiveness of EMDR therapy can vary from person to person, but it is generally considered a rapid, safe and effective treatment.
Embrace EMDR for Positive Change
EMDR therapy is a complex integrative psychotherapy approach that requires specialized training. Therefore, it is important to find a licensed therapist who has undergone the appropriate training to perform EMDR therapy.
The therapist and patient become partners on a journey to remove the blocks that are preventing the client from achieving their emotional health. Establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist is crucial for the success of the therapy.
At River Point Behavioral Health, we understand starting something new is intimidating. However, we specialize in evidence-based trauma therapies, including EMDR, and offer guidance and support in a compassionate environment. To read more about our EMDR program, visit our Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Jacksonville page.
