Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the treatment of trauma and various anxiety-related disorders. As an EMDR-certified therapist, I've witnessed its transformative effects firsthand. In this post, I want to explore the eight stages of EMDR therapy and address some common questions about this innovative approach.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has become one of the most researched and evidence-based trauma treatments available today.
EMDR works on the principle that our minds can heal from psychological trauma much as our bodies recover from physical trauma. It uses a structured eight-phase approach to address past experiences that have set the groundwork for dysfunctional emotions, beliefs, and sensations, and the current situations that trigger these responses.
The Power and Scope of EMDR
EMDR is recognized as an effective trauma treatment by major health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, and the Veterans Association. Its applications extend beyond combat-related PTSD, for which it was initially developed.
EMDR can be beneficial for a wide range of traumatic experiences. It's important to understand that trauma is subjective - it's any experience that negatively alters a person's view of the world. This could include childhood abuse or neglect, traumatic loss, specific phobias, or any event that has left a lasting negative impact.
In my practice, I use EMDR to help clients process various types of trauma, including childhood experiences, loss, and specific anxieties. The goal isn't to erase traumatic memories, but to resolve their impact. After successful EMDR treatment, the memory of a traumatic event may still exist, but it no longer carries the same emotional charge or negative beliefs.
For example, you might remember closing a door today without any strong emotions attached to that memory. Similarly, after EMDR, a traumatic memory may be recalled without triggering intense fear, hypervigilance, flashbacks, or negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
The 8 Stages of EMDR
History Taking and Treatment Planning: In this initial phase, the therapist assesses the client's readiness and develops a treatment plan. This involves taking a thorough history of the client and identifying potential targets for EMDR processing.
Preparation: The therapist helps the client develop coping skills to use during and between sessions. This phase also includes an explanation of the treatment process and setting expectations.
Assessment: The client identifies a specific memory to target and the associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations. A positive belief is also identified.
Desensitization: This is where the core of EMDR takes place. The client focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This continues until the memory becomes less disturbing.
Installation: The focus shifts to strengthening the positive belief identified in phase three.
Body Scan: The client is asked to observe their physical response while thinking of the original memory and the positive belief, addressing any residual tension.
Closure: This ensures that the client leaves each session feeling better than at the beginning. If the targeted memory was not fully processed, specific instructions and techniques are given to provide containment and ensure safety until the next session.
Reevaluation: The next session begins with this phase, assessing the client's current psychological state and whether treatment effects have maintained. From here, the therapist determines which memory to target next.
Common Questions about EMDR
How long does EMDR therapy usually last?
The duration of EMDR therapy can vary widely depending on the individual and the nature of their trauma. Some people may experience significant relief in as few as 3-6 sessions, while others with complex trauma histories might benefit from several months of treatment. On average, a typical course of EMDR therapy might involve 8-12 sessions.
Is EMDR effective when self-administered?
While some aspects of EMDR, such as certain grounding techniques, can be practiced at home, the full EMDR protocol should always be administered by a trained professional. The process can bring up intense emotions and memories, and it's crucial to have a skilled therapist guide you through this experience safely.
Can tapping techniques alleviate anxiety?
Tapping techniques, while not a direct component of EMDR, are used in some other therapeutic approaches and can be helpful for anxiety management. However, these should not be confused with the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR. If you're interested in tapping for anxiety relief, it's best to discuss this with a qualified professional who can guide you in its proper use.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you're wondering whether your experiences qualify for EMDR treatment, remember that trauma is personal. What matters is how an event has affected you, not how it might be perceived by others.
In EMDR therapy, we collaborate to identify which memories to process. Together, we can work to reprocess these memories, alleviating their negative impact and helping you move towards healing and recovery.
EMDR offers a path to healing that doesn't require you to forget your past, but instead allows you to move forward without being controlled by it. If you're struggling with the effects of past trauma or persistent anxiety, EMDR might be a way forward.
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