Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a type of therapy that helps you process trauma so you can recover from PTSD. Some kinds of therapy focus on feelings, thoughts, and how you act. But EMDR focuses on the memory itself. A psychologist named Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the 1980s. Since then, it has been used to treat PTSD and other mental health conditions.

During EMDR, you look at something that moves back and forth. Or you might listen to a sound that goes from one side to the other. At the same time, you think about an upsetting event or memory. A therapist guides you through your thoughts and feelings. They also help you form new beliefs about yourself and your life. Experts think that the back-and-forth movement changes how your brain processes and stores the traumatic memory.

What can I expect during EMDR treatment?

During EMDR, you meet with a therapist for 50 to 90 minutes per session. Usually, you’ll have 6 to 12 sessions. However, many people start to feel better after just a few sessions.

There are 8 phases of EMDR. They are:

1. History taking. Your therapist asks about your past and what you want from EMDR. They help you select events or memories you could use in therapy. You talk about whether you’re ready to work through your trauma in a new way.

2. Client preparation. You learn what will happen during EMDR. You also talk about the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations you have when you think about the bad memory. Your therapist teaches you ways to manage your emotions and physical symptoms.

3. Assessment. Your therapist helps you decide which images or memories you want to focus on. You pinpoint negative beliefs that the trauma caused. Then you choose positive beliefs to replace them with.

4. Desensitization. In this part of treatment, you use eye movements, sounds, tapping, or other forms of side-to-side stimulation to process memories. Some therapists ask you to watch their finger move from side to side. Others have you wear headphones and listen to a beep that moves from the right to the left ear. Still others have you tap the fingers of 1 hand and then the other. While paying attention to these movements or sounds, you think about the images, thoughts, and feelings related to your trauma. You do this for about 30 seconds at a time. You talk with your therapist about how you feel. As you think about your memories during these sessions, you should notice your negative feelings decrease.

5. Installation. In this phase, you create and install new beliefs about yourself and your life. Your therapist has you focus on the new beliefs while you hold the memory in your mind. While doing this, you pay attention to the back-and-forth movement or sound. This helps you attach new meanings, insights, feelings, and beliefs to the traumatic event or memory.

6. Body scan. Throughout your treatments, your physical symptoms should decrease. During this phase, your therapist helps you work through any physical symptoms you still have when you think about your memory. Your processing is finished once your physical symptoms are completely gone.

7. Closure. Before your sessions end, your therapist makes sure you feel safe and comfortable. They prepare you for any difficult thoughts or feelings between sessions.

8. Reevaluation. Your therapist talks with you about your progress. They make sure you’ve fully processed and resolved the trauma and memories. They might also talk about your future and how you can manage other trauma or difficulties in your life.

What are the risks of EMDR?

EMDR is safe. It has almost no side effects. You might feel uneasy or upset while you think about your trauma during your sessions. These feelings should improve as you progress. Most people find the relief they feel after finishing all the sessions is worth it.

What are other uses for EMDR?

EMDR is also helpful for:

• Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders

• Eating disorders

• Addictions and substance abuse

• Grief and loss

Considerations

Before starting therapy, be certain your therapist is certified as an EMDR certification therapist. The EMDR International Association is the only body that approves the process and application for obtaining EMDR certification. Studies have shown EMDR is safe and effective, but it may not work for everyone. Talk with your doctor about EMDR and whether it’s right for you.