What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Help?

As a trauma-informed therapist, I’m always looking for tools and techniques that can meaningfully improve the lives of my clients. We’re often driven by the traumatic memories that shaped our early lives and define us as we grow older—but as a quirk of how they’re stored, those memories are often difficult to discuss and explore. Eye Movement Desensitization & Processing (EMDR) Therapy is a science-backed approach to therapy that leverages our understanding of the brain in order to help clients reprocess and heal the impact of those memories.

In practical terms, the therapist and client work together using EMDR to unravel negative behaviors and thought patterns. This helps them follow the thread back to the cause and reprocess the memory in a way that allows for natural healing to take place.

Trauma As a Wound

EMDR therapy is rooted in an understanding that trauma lives in the body. If you think of a traumatic experience as a wound, you can imagine it as an old football injury that never quite healed, or a gash that won’t close right because it keeps breaking open when you move. Those wounds are the cause of the negative thoughts and patterns of behavior that create stress, disorder, and dysfunction in our daily lives.

In order to heal from a broken bone, a doctor uses a cast or splint. A trained therapist can use EMDR therapy in the same fashion. It’s a tool that a trained therapist can use to ‘set the break’ and protect it so that the wound can heal properly.

Goal-Oriented

Clients and therapists work together to understand which symptoms are interfering with their day-to-day lives, and then the therapist guides the client through the process of identifying, isolating, and healing the associated traumatic memories.

Structured

EMDR therapy follows a well-defined structure that includes several key components such as history taking, planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can be open-ended, EMDR therapy emphasizes collaboration between the therapist and client to establish clear timelines and goals. This structured approach allows for focused and purposeful work towards healing and growth.

Effective

Initially developed to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating a broad range of symptoms and behaviors. While it has shown remarkable success in helping veterans returning from war, survivors of disasters, and victims of terrorist attacks, EMDR therapy has also proven beneficial in treating diverse psychological challenges and facilitating overall well-being.

Flexible

EMDR therapy can be conducted either in-person or through remote sessions, providing flexibility and accessibility for clients. This allows individuals to pursue EMDR therapy as a complementary approach to their existing healthcare regimen.

What Can EMDR Be Used to Treat?

Although initially developed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in addressing a broad spectrum of symptoms. These include, but are not limited to:

Anxiety & Panic
Body dysmorphia
Chronic pain
Childhood trauma and abuse
Depression
Grief
Phobias
Sexual trauma
Alcohol and Substance Addiction

This comprehensive list highlights the versatility of EMDR therapy in supporting individuals dealing with various emotional and psychological challenges.

What To Expect During EMDR Therapy

When you undergo EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you can expect a structured and evidence-based approach to help you process traumatic or distressing experiences. In the beginning, your therapist will have an initial assessment to understand your history, what you're going through, and what you want to work on. In subsequent sessions, you'll engage in exercises like following hand movements, listening to sounds, or feeling taps. These exercises stimulate both sides of your brain and assist in reprocessing the challenging memories or thoughts. As a result, you may gain new insights, find resolution for emotional distress, and develop effective coping mechanisms. The duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on individual needs, usually involving multiple sessions. Throughout the process, your therapist creates a safe and supportive space for you to discuss your experiences and track your progress. It's important to note that EMDR therapy can temporarily bring up intense emotions, but the ultimate goal is to promote lasting healing and positive changes in your life.

Exploring EMDR Therapy

If you're curious about how EMDR therapy can help you overcome past traumas and find healing, I invite you to take the next step and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This brief conversation will allow us to discuss your specific needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine if EMDR therapy is the right fit for you.

Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice.

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What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Help?