EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. She discovered that certain eye movements reduced the intensity of disturbing thoughts and memories. Over the years, EMDR has evolved into an eight-phase therapeutic approach designed to help people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. It's widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD and has been extensively researched and validated by numerous clinical studies. 

EMDR can benefit a wide range of individuals experiencing various mental health challenges. Originally developed for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it has since been shown to be effective for people dealing with anxiety, depression, sleep trouble,  eating disorders, phobias, chronic pain, avoidance, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, obsessions, compulsions, and other emotional difficulties. EMDR can help anyone struggling with distressing memories, whether from a single traumatic event or ongoing adverse experiences. It's particularly useful for those who feel stuck or unable to move past certain emotional or psychological barriers, offering a path to healing and improved well-being. 

EMDR has been shown to be highly effective for many individuals, especially in treating PTSD. Numerous clinical studies and research over the past few decades have demonstrated its efficacy, often showing faster results compared to traditional talk therapies. Many clients experience significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few sessions, though the number of sessions needed can vary. Leading mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, endorse EMDR as a treatment for trauma and related conditions, underscoring its effectiveness and reliability. 

A typical EMDR treatment involves a series of structured sessions guided by a therapist. In a session using tappers, you would hold small devices that feel like a cellphone buzzing alternately in each hand. The treatment begins with discussing your distressing memories and identifying specific targets for EMDR. During the desensitization phase, you'll focus on the memory while the tappers buzz alternately, stimulating both sides of your brain. This bilateral stimulation helps to process and reframe the traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. The therapist will guide you through this process, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the session. 

During an EMDR treatment, you may experience a range of emotions and physical sensations as you process distressing memories. As you focus on the traumatic memory, you'll follow the therapist's instructions, which may include holding tappers that buzz alternately in each hand or following a visual stimulus. You might feel intense emotions, recall forgotten details, or experience physical sensations like tingling or tension. It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at times, but your therapist will ensure you remain safe and supported. As the session progresses, many people notice a reduction in the emotional intensity of the memories, leading to a sense of relief and calm. 

An EMDR session typically lasts for 90 minutes, providing ample time to thoroughly address and process distressing memories. This extended duration allows for a complete cycle of identifying the target memory, engaging in the bilateral stimulation phase, and working through any emotional or physical reactions that arise. The therapist will guide you through each step, ensuring you have enough time to process the experiences fully and reach a point of resolution or relief by the end of the session. 

Dr. Shapiro, the founder of EMDR, recommends treatment sessions on a weekly basis. This regular frequency allows for consistent progress and helps maintain the momentum of the healing process. Weekly sessions provide enough time for clients to process the emotions and insights gained during each session while ensuring steady support from the therapist. This consistent schedule helps to reinforce the therapeutic effects and ensures that clients can effectively work through their traumatic memories and emotional challenges in a structured and supportive environment.

EMDR is only one part of a treatment plan. The length of treatment is dependent upon the number of EMDR sessions and the number of regular therapy sessions that you need to reach your goals based upon your unique situation