Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, and other disorders. It involves using bilateral stimulation, usually by guided eye movements, to process distressing memories and overcome the effects of trauma. It helps facilitate the brain's natural healing processes by mimicking the eye movements made during the REM sleep stage.
EMDR works by helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories. During a session, the therapist guides the client through specific sets of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques while focusing on the targeted memory. This process helps the brain reorganize the traumatic memory and reduce its emotional impact.
EMDR is primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also been effective in addressing anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, grief, and other conditions where distressing memories contribute to emotional difficulties.
While eye movements are a common form of bilateral stimulation in EMDR, other methods may be used, such as tapping or auditory stimuli. The key is to engage both hemispheres of the brain to facilitate the processing of distressing memories.
At Safe Place Counseling, EMDR sessions are 60 minutes.
It is difficult to know how many sessions an individual may need. It varies based on the individual and the nature of the issues being addressed. Some people have significant improvement in just a few sessions, but most others require more extensive treatment, especially for chronic PTSD symptoms.
EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective in treating trauma-related disorders. It is recognized by major mental health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA), as a recommended treatment for PTSD.
Yes, EMDR is used for children. Therapists trained in EMDR can modify the approach to suit the developmental needs of the child, using age-appropriate language and techniques.
You may or may not experience mild side effects, such as fatigue, vivid dreams, or heightened emotions immediately following a session to a few days after. However, these symptoms usually subside, and many people report a significant reduction in distress over time.
Look for licensed mental health professionals who have completed EMDR training and certification. EMDRIA.com has a list of professionals that have completed the proper training. You can inquire about their experience with EMDR, ask for referrals, or check with mental health organizations in your area for recommendations.