What Is EMDR Therapy? The Process Explained

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is a psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s primarily to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since then, it has been used effectively for various other mental health conditions.

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that a traumatic experience can cause distressing symptoms and emotional disturbances because they are not adequately processed and stored in the brain’s memory network. During a traumatic event, the brain may be unable to process the experience properly, leading to the memory getting “stuck” in a raw and distressing form.

The therapy aims to help individuals reprocess these distressing memories and integrate them into their memory network in a healthier way. 

The Process Typically Involves the Following Eight Phases:

1. History taking and treatment planning: In this initial phase, the therapist gathers information about the individual’s history, trauma experiences, and current symptoms. They also assess the person’s readiness for EMDR therapy and identify any potential challenges or risks that may arise during the process. This phase is crucial for building a therapeutic relationship and creating a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
2. Preparation: The therapist educates the individual about EMDR therapy, explaining the principles and procedures involved. They ensure the person understands what to expect during the sessions and how bilateral stimulation will be used. The therapist also teaches the person various coping skills and relaxation techniques during EMDR, as processing traumatic memories can sometimes evoke strong emotions.
3. Assessment: During this phase, the therapist works with the individual to identify specific target memories related to the trauma. These target memories represent the central disturbing events that underlie the individual’s current emotional and psychological difficulties. Along with the target memory, the therapist helps the person identify the associated negative beliefs (e.g., “I am not safe,” “It’s my fault”) and the related physical sensations (e.g., tightness in the chest, rapid heartbeat).
4. Desensitization: This phase is the core of EMDR therapy. The individual focuses on the target memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. The most common form of bilateral stimulation is horizontal eye movements, where the person tracks the therapist’s hand moving from side to side. Alternatively, the therapist might use tapping or auditory cues, like tones played alternately in each ear. The bilateral stimulation facilitates the brain’s processing of the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge.
5. Installation: After desensitization, the therapist guides the person in identifying and enhancing positive beliefs that they would like to have about themselves. These positive beliefs replace the negative beliefs associated with traumatic memory. For example, if the negative belief is “I am powerless,” the positive belief might be “I am strong and capable.”
6. Body Scan: The therapist helps the person check in with their body to identify any residual physical tension or discomfort related to the target memory. The goal is to reduce or eliminate any remaining somatic sensations associated with the trauma.
7. Closure: If the processing of the target memory is not completed within a single session, the therapist helps the individual return to a state of stability before ending the session. This ensures that the person does not leave the session feeling overwhelmed or emotionally dysregulated.
8. Reevaluation: At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist reviews the progress made so far and assesses the individual’s current emotional and psychological state. If unresolved aspects or new memories emerge, they become the focus of the next phase of EMDR.

EMDR is thought to work by allowing the brain to reprocess traumatic memories and integrate them more adaptively, thereby reducing the distressing symptoms associated with the trauma. It is essential to work with a licensed and trained EMDR therapist to ensure the therapy is conducted safely and effectively. 

How Do You Know if EMDR Therapy is Right for You? 

While EMDR has shown promising results for PTSD and other conditions, it may not be suitable for everyone, and individual responses to therapy can vary. As with any form of therapy, discussing your situation and treatment options with a qualified mental health professional is essential and is a crucial first step in the process. 

Here are some key points to consider when determining if EMDR therapy might be a suitable treatment for you:

• Trauma or Distressing Experiences: EMDR therapy specifically addresses trauma and distressing experiences. Trauma can result from various events, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, violence, or witnessing traumatic incidents. If you have experienced any of these events and are struggling with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, or intrusive thoughts related to the trauma, EMDR may be a suitable option to explore.

• Diagnosis of PTSD or Related Conditions: EMDR is a recommended and evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also been effective for other trauma-related conditions, such as acute stress disorder and complex PTSD. If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or exhibit symptoms consistent with trauma-related disorders, EMDR could be an appropriate therapeutic approach to consider.

• Willingness to Process Difficult Memories: EMDR involves reprocessing distressing memories to reduce their emotional impact. The therapy may require you to confront and delve into past traumatic events, which can be emotionally challenging. Being willing and ready to address these memories in therapy is crucial. 

If you feel overwhelmed or believe you may not be prepared to face these issues, your therapist may suggest other preparatory therapeutic techniques to build emotional resilience before beginning EMDR.

• Ability to Cope with Intense Emotions: The therapeutic process in EMDR can evoke strong emotions as traumatic memories are reprocessed. It’s essential to have the ability to cope with intense emotional experiences during therapy. Your therapist will provide coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques to manage distress. Still, your willingness to engage in emotional processing is vital to the success of EMDR therapy.

• Availability of a Qualified EMDR Therapist: EMDR therapy should only be administered by a licensed mental health professional who has received specific training in EMDR. Ensure that the therapist you choose has the necessary qualifications, certifications, and experience in working with trauma and related conditions. You can verify their credentials and training to ensure their expertise in providing EMDR therapy.

• Individualized Treatment: EMDR is an individualized therapy tailored to each person’s unique experiences and needs. The therapist adapts the approach based on your responses and progress throughout the sessions. If you prefer a therapy that takes into account your circumstances and addresses your specific trauma history, EMDR’s individualized approach might be appealing to you.

• Physical and Mental Health Considerations: Before starting EMDR therapy, your therapist will assess your overall physical and mental health. It’s important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or mental health concerns you have, as these factors can influence your ability to engage in EMDR effectively. The therapist will consider your health when determining the suitability of EMDR for your specific situation.

• Openness to Eye Movements or Alternative Bilateral Stimulation: EMDR often involves eye movements as a form of bilateral stimulation. During the therapy, you might be asked to visually track the therapist’s hand moving from side to side.
  If you have any discomfort with eye movements, you should communicate this to your therapist. There are alternative methods of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory stimulation, which can be used if eye movements are not suitable for you.

Remember that the decision to pursue EMDR therapy should be made in collaboration with a qualified mental health professional. Discuss your specific situation, treatment options, and therapeutic goals with your therapist to determine whether EMDR fits your needs. Therapy can be a transformative process; finding the right approach that aligns with your comfort level and therapeutic goals is essential for successful treatment.

Strong Lives Counseling

Our counselors are ready to share their expertise in the world of EMDR therapy to help you with a traumatic experience you may have been through. If you are ready to start addressing the “hard to deal with” parts of your memories, we are here to provide guidance and help. Contact Strong Lives Counseling today, and let’s get started.