EMDR therapy is a relatively new form of treatment that is very effective in helping people overcome a variety of issues. EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that helps people reprocess traumatic memories. It is beneficial in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This blog post will discuss what EMDR therapy is and how it works.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro. EMDR therapy is a relatively new form of treatment, and there is still some debate about how it works, but research has shown that it is an effective treatment for a variety of issues.
The therapist uses eye movements and other bilateral stimulation to help the client reprocess traumatic memories from a non-threatening perspective. It means that the therapist will ask you questions about a specific memory and then use eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping on your knees while they are talking with you. They will also ask you what thoughts or feelings come up during this time to decide if there needs to be an adjustment in their approach. This process helps people move past traumatic experiences by changing how their brains react when thinking about these events.
What are the different phases of EMDR?
There are eight phases to EMDR: History-taking session, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body scan, Closure, and Reevaluation.
History-taking session
The therapist will ask you many questions about the event or experience you want to work. They will also want to know about any other traumatic experiences you may have had.
Preparation
The therapist will give you tools for coping with any triggers that might come up from your sessions. It includes things like eye movements, tapping, and music.
Assessment
The therapist will ask you many questions about the event or memory you want to work on. They will also ask you about related memories, thoughts, and feelings.
Desensitization
The therapist will help you focus on the memory and then use eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping on your knees while talking with you. They will also ask you what thoughts or feelings come up during this time to decide if there needs to be an adjustment in their approach. This process helps people move past traumatic experiences by changing how their brains react when thinking about these events.
Installation
After desensitization is complete, the therapist will help you install the new memory. It means that you will practice thinking about the event positively and then using bilateral stimulation to help your brain healthily store the memory.
Body Scan
During this phase, you will focus on how the event has affected your body.
Closure
This phase is meant to help you feel safe and secure after the therapy session.
Reevaluation
This phase helps you reflect on how the EMDR therapy session went. You may also discuss any new insights or realizations you had about the event.
Does EMDR Therapy Actually Work?
According to the EMDR International Association, EMDR therapy effectively treats various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. A 2009 study by the Cochrane Database found that EMDR was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So far, research has shown that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. However, more research is needed to determine if it is also effective for other conditions.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy for a mental health condition, be sure to discuss it with our consultant. You will get a free, 15-minute consultation. We can help you decide if it’s the proper treatment for you.
