Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy designed to treat trauma and reduce negative emotions, anxiety, and other reactions associated with traumatic events. It is one of the best validated and researched treatments for trauma and used by the V.A., Department of Defense and the World Health Organization.
EMDR Therapy In Person or Online
Dr. Ruan on Online EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy | California | New York | Texas (Coming Soon)
WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY USED FOR?
EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and has since expanded to treating anxiety, phobias, depression, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction and stress caused by chronic diseases. EMDR is also a powerful tool to treat developmental trauma, a term used to describe a childhood marked with conflict, emotionally difficult parents, distress, or other events that make a child feel anxious or unsafe. This type of home environment can cause a person to grow up with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The goal of EMDR is to fully process past experiences and sort out the emotions attached to those experiences. Negative thoughts and feelings that are no longer useful are replaced with positive thoughts and feelings that will encourage a healthier response.
Today, there are many other uses for EMDR therapy, including EMDR for anxiety, EMDR for depression, EMDR for panic attacks and EMDR for OCD.
HOW DOES EMDR WORK?
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment. After the clinician takes a thorough history, she determines which memory to target first, she asks the client to hold different aspects of that event or thought in mind, then bilateral stimulation (through eye movements, buzzers, tapping, or sound) is used to stimulate reprocessing. This process is believed to be connected with the biological mechanisms involved in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, when memories are processed in the brain. Some clients describe the process as feeling like a lucid dream or watching a movie of events from their life. In successful EMDR therapy, the memories become less disturbing and the meaning of painful events is transformed on an emotional level. Unlike other forms of therapy, the insights clients gain in EMDR therapy result not so much from clinician interpretation, but from the client’s own accelerated mental and emotional processes.
Does Online EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR has been transitioning into the digital realm thanks to advances in online communication platforms and secure video conferencing. Therapists have adapted their techniques to facilitate remote EMDR, ensuring clients can receive the same treatment from the comfort of their homes. And research shows that online EMDR works. In addition to providing the same treatment benefits to clients, online EMDR can also boost accessibility, comfort, flexibility and anonymity of EMDR sessions, which can help clients access this type of therapy who may not be able to do in-person EMDR.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR is a powerful method for helping a client gain a sense of control and empowerment over themselves and their lives. Unresolved traumas can cause you to feel out of control of your own emotional reactions, but EMDR gives you back the control. You no longer live feeling like you are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
-
EMDR therapy is effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, whether it's a single traumatic incident or complex trauma from multiple events. It can help with various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, panic disorder, depression, and other distressing symptoms stemming from traumatic experiences.
-
The duration of EMDR therapy varies based on the individual's needs and the nature of their trauma. Some individuals may experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, while others may require more. On average, EMDR therapy sessions last 60 to 90 minutes. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
-
During an EMDR therapy session, you will collaborate with your therapist to identify target memories or distressing experiences. You will then engage in the reprocessing phase, where you focus on these memories while incorporating bilateral stimulation.
This process can bring up emotions and sensations, but your therapist will guide you through it to promote healing and symptom relief. EMDR therapy aims to help you desensitize and reprocess the traumatic material so you can experience a reduction in distress and emotional freedom.
-
It's natural to have concerns about how EMDR therapy might affect you emotionally. While EMDR therapy is designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate distress, it's possible to experience some temporary discomfort during the process. This discomfort is often a natural part of the healing journey.
EMDR therapy can initially bring up strong emotions and vivid memories, which may temporarily intensify distress. However, this is typically a sign that the therapy is working and helping you access and reprocess these memories. Your therapist will guide you through these experiences, providing support and coping strategies to help manage any temporary discomfort.
Over time, EMDR therapy aims to desensitize and reprocess the traumatic material, leading to a reduction in distress and emotional freedom. Many individuals find that the short-term discomfort is outweighed by the long-term benefits of healing and symptom relief. It's essential to maintain open communication with your therapist throughout the process to ensure your well-being and progress in therapy.
-
EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and there are certain situations where alternative therapies or approaches may be more appropriate. EMDR therapy may not be recommended for:
Individuals with severe dissociation: EMDR therapy requires individuals to stay present and engage with distressing memories. If you have a history of severe dissociation or disconnection from reality, your therapist may explore other treatment options that ensure your safety and stability.
People in acute crisis: If you are currently experiencing an acute crisis, such as severe suicidal thoughts or active substance abuse, EMDR therapy may not be the first choice. Immediate crisis intervention and stabilization may be necessary before considering EMDR therapy.
Individuals with certain medical conditions: EMDR therapy involves bilateral stimulation, which may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or a history of seizures. It's important to discuss your medical history with your therapist to determine if EMDR is a safe option for you.
Those with untreated substance abuse issues: EMDR therapy is most effective when individuals are in a stable state of recovery from substance abuse. If you have ongoing substance abuse issues, your therapist may recommend addressing these issues before beginning EMDR therapy.
Children under the age of six: EMDR therapy is primarily designed for adults and older children who can actively engage in the therapy process. Alternative therapies and approaches may be more appropriate for very young children.
It's important to note that the decision of whether EMDR therapy is suitable for you should be made in collaboration with a qualified mental health professional. Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment and consider your unique circumstances to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. If EMDR therapy is not recommended for you, there are other evidence-based therapeutic options available to address your mental health concerns.
-
EMDR may not be suitable for individuals with certain dissociative disorders or those currently in a crisis. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified therapist will help determine appropriateness based on individual needs.
-
EMDR focuses on processing existing memories rather than retrieving repressed ones. Memories that emerge are typically those already known but may be viewed from different perspectives during the therapy process.
-
The effectiveness of EMDR varies based on individual needs and the nature of the issue being addressed. Some individuals experience positive changes in a few sessions, while others may require more. Your therapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan and timeline with you.
THRIVE BLOGS
-
Is Remote EMDR Therapy Effective as In-Person?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. EMDR is traditionally done in person, but can remote EMDR still work?
-
Is Online EMDR Better Than In-Person?
Explore the benefits of EMDR therapy and get common questions answered about in-person or online EMDR, including, “is online EMDR therapy better than in-person?”