EMDR stands for “Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing”. EMDR is a form of exposure therapy that desensitizes traumatic memories with rapid eye movements. The use of these eye movements reduces the amount of time that it takes to desensitize the memory compared to other exposure therapies. That faster processing time  provides you with a gentler experience than other exposure therapies.

The typical benefits of EMDR therapy include:

•  Reduction in PTSD symptoms such as decreases in intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. 

• Rapid symptom relief: Many individuals experience significant improvement in a relatively short time compared to traditional talk therapies.

• Integration of memories: EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic events so they are less distressing. This process often results in deeper truths about life emerging and refining who you are as a person and how you view life. 

• Decreased anxiety and depression: EMDR often leads to reduction in comorbid anxiety and depression.

• Improved emotional regulation: EMDR enhances your ability to manage intense emotions and stress.

• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence: EMDR helps you develop a more positive view of self.

It's important to note that individual experiences with EMDR can vary, and a therapist who has been properly trained in EMDR is much more likely to offer effective EMDR compared with a clinician who is not trained through a professional organization that specializes in EMDR.

“Normal” EMDR therapy involves guiding clients to recall a specific memory, along with the related thoughts they have about themselves, while engaging in side-to-side eye movements. This process encourages free thought associations about the event, which often lead to a deeper understanding of what happened, what lessons can be learned from it, and what it may or may not mean about the client themselves. As these associations unfold, the client’s distress related to the memory decreases, facilitating emotional healing and insight.

Sometimes, a client’s distress around a memory is so intense that they are unable to think of the memory for the usual amount of time needed to process it, or their emotional reaction exceeds their threshold for handling it. In cases where this may occur, EMDR therapists may employ “EMD” (Eye Movement Desensitization), which involves shorter sets of eye movements to prevent most free-association thoughts from forming. Additionally, “flash protocols” may be used, where the client only briefly focuses on the memory for 3 to 10 seconds. These techniques help quickly reduce the level of disturbance, allowing the client to become desensitized to the memory.

Specialized EMDR protocols are also available for clients with specific needs or preferences. For example, the Blind to Therapist protocol is designed for individuals who do not feel comfortable talking aloud about their memories. There are also protocols for those who feel as if a part of themselves is stuck in the past, as well as approaches tailored for individuals struggling with addictions and many other situations. It is important to discuss your specific circumstances and comfort levels with your EMDR therapist, so they can customize the treatment using a combination of these and other EMDR protocols to best support your healing process.

Additionally, it is very important to inquire about a potential EMDR therapist’s training and credentials. Therapists who have not completed the gold-standard EMDRIA EMDR training may have less knowledge about when, how, and why to select and implement specific protocols to best meet clients’ individual needs. Verifying that your therapist is properly trained helps ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate care.

If you struggle with the following conditions, you should exercise caution and inform your clinician of your condition. It may be the case that you cannot engage in EMDR until this condition is resolved. Please message me if you struggle with one of these conditions and would like a referral to a resource that can help you: 

• High levels of dissociation
  
  

• Substance use disorders
  
  

• Those who are drinking large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, who have not been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (as this may interfere with treatment)
  
  

• Unmet basic needs
  
  

• Currently in a domestic violence relationship or other violently abusive situation
  
  

• Currently at war
  
  

• Active psychosis

Traditional EMDR was accomplished during 1.5 to 2 hour sessions. However, modern insurance companies have set the standard of a 1 hour session. This often means that the reprocessing of a memory must be closed at the end of one session and restarted at the end of the next, instead of done completely in one session for most memories.

Some EMDR therapists still offer 1.5 to 2 hour sessions often called “Intensives”, which can speed up reprocessing and treatment time by quite a bit. These require out-of-pocket payments, as insurance will not cover them. However, because they provide faster relief, they may be worth it for you.