What Is EMDR?

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EMDR is an evidence-based, structured psychotherapy used to treat symptoms including but not limited to post-traumatic stress, anger, anxiety, depression and panic. The model on which EMDR is based suggests that mental health issues/distress can be due to the incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing life experiences. This can impair the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in a healthier manner.  EMDR aims to target past negative experiences, current triggers and future potential challenges to alleviate current symptoms, decrease levels of distress from disturbing memories, relieve distress stored in the body, and improve the client’s self-view.

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How does EMDR work?

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The “unconscious” is partially composed of memories of earlier experiences that automatically guide us. These can include unprocessed memories from the past (which contain physical sensations, emotions, and beliefs).  When something traumatic happens, it can get “locked” in the nervous system and since it’s locked, it can continue to trigger us whenever a reminder comes up.  EMDR uses Dual Attention Stimulation (DAS), such as eye movements or self-tapping to help “unlock” the nervous system and allow your brain to process these experiences. Unpleasant emotions and sensations may arise during the “unlocking” , which is a sign of old material leaving the nervous system. EMDR also supports the brain in making positive connections. Overall, EMDR can help us process and release distressing material and strengthen what is useful.

Is EMDR a “quick fix”?

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Each client comes with their own unique presenting issues and history. There are also differences in how different clients may experience the same incident or traumatic event. Treatment is going to look different for each individual, which means treatment timelines will vary greatly. It can often take months but in some cases, years.
 

What can I expect?

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EMDR is an 8-phase protocol and all phases are important. Each client will vary with respect to how long they need to stay at each phase, the work that’s required at each phase, and even whether or not they move through each of the 8 phases.

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Phase 1: History Taking – The therapist and client work collaboratively to complete a thorough history of the client’s past, the therapist determines if EMDR is a suitable approach for the client, and the therapist begins to develop a plan for treatment.

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Phase 2: Preparation – The therapist provides the client with information so the client can give informed consent. The therapist additionally assists the client in developing an emotional “toolbox” (i.e. self-soothing skills, emotion regulation skills, breathing techniques, visualization exercises  etc.) to help the client feel equipped to process their trauma in a way that will feel safe and effective.

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Phase 3-8: Assessment, Reprocessing and Re-evaluation – These phases involve identifying the trauma or “target” to be processed, processing the “target” through dual attention (i.e. eye movement, tapping, “buzzies” etc.), installing a positive belief, scanning the body to ensure the disturbance is gone, and closing down the session.

 

Are there any special considerations or precautions to take?

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Certain presenting issues, physical health issues, and life circumstances may make EMDR less suitable, may require consultation with a physician or judge, or may require treatment prior to commencing EMDR. 

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EMDR should only be provided by a trained practitioner and the presenting issues must be within the practitioner’s scope of practice. Some presenting issues require specialized training (i.e. dissociative disorders, addictions) and in those cases, it may be appropriate that the therapist provide referral options to another practitioner. 

 

 

EMDRIA's webpage --> https://www.emdria.org/ 
EMDR International Association