EMDR therapy is a specialized therapy that stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a unique therapy that is a combination or talk therapy and bi-lateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can be done by tapping, with eye movements, or with sound. By stimulating the right and left brain (aka Bilateral stimulation), some researchers believe a sort of induced REM cycle is imitated. REM where we process the events of our day. The idea is that if the therapist can help you get the two sides of your brain to talk you will be able to reprocess some of the old stuff you have been carrying around and organically come up with the best adaptive way of managing the issue you face.
Is my issue one that can benefit from EMDR?
As a totally non-biased profession (read: total believer), I think you might be surprised. EMDR is not just for big traumatic events, but smaller traumas experienced by individuals. These may have occurred over a period of time and contributed to the internalization of certain believes about yourself such as, “I’m not good enough,” or, “I can’t trust myself,” or “I am not safe.” EMDR has been shown to be helpful with loss, transitions, phobias, anxiety, mood disorders, and more.
So if I face some of these big issues, will EMDR make me a mess when I leave the office?
One of the reasons EMDR tends to be successful is that it less often re-traumatizes the client than other kinds of trauma related therapy. In session you will feel many emotions and they often pass quicker than you expect. At the end of the session, the goal it to get you back to the place of being able to function in your every day life. Some people feel emotionally exhausted after doing EMDR, others feel calmer than normal. Many feel both. Everyone is different.
Is this like hypnosis and mumbo jumbo stuff?
No. This is not hypnosis. This is bilateral stimulation. This can be done with your eyes, your ears, or by tapping the right and left sides of your body. It is endorsed by the Department of Veteran Affairs because of how successful it is in dealing with trauma and anxiety. It is recognized by insurance companies for being one of the fastest and most effective ways of managing trauma.
What can I do at home to make EMDR therapy more successful?
Learn and practice mindfulness skills assigned by your therapist. Your therapist will probably develop a safe place, resource, or calm state with you during the beginning to therapy. You can practice that resource at home.
How will I know if I am doing it right?
That’s easy. You will be doing it right. One of the unique things about EMDR is that the client and therapist trust the clients’ brain to provide natural healing. In fact, it can be difficult not to judge what your brain brings up, but clients are often surprised at how meaningful and healing observing this process is.
Can you guarantee results?
Research suggests that 80% of people respond to EMDR therapy. In addition, if you are experiencing disassociation, the process tends to be slower. Don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results. Think of it like a block of ice. We chip away at the issue. Sometimes we will chip off a little piece, other times we will chip off a big piece.
Do I have to tell you all of the hairy details?
Sometimes with trauma there is a fear about “going there,” so to speak. In EMDR the therapist doesn’t need to know every detail to assist you in successfully processing it.
What else should I know about EMDR?
Research shows that people who do EMDR therapy increase areas in your brain which promote resiliency. The most effective session length is 90 minutes. It can be done concurrent with other counseling, such as marriage counseling or counseling for an addiction. It can often compliment a quicker resolution to these issues.
