What Happens in an EMDR Therapy Session?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique. The goal of EMDR therapy is to help people heal from trauma by changing how memories are stored in their brains.
An EMDR therapist leads their patient through a series of bilateral eye movements so the brain can process the traumatic memories. Various studies show that EMDR can be used to treat PTSD and anxiety disorders. The great part is that it takes fewer sessions that other therapy methods to see results.
Is EMDR Effective?
A 2014 review of 24 studies found that EMDR can help individuals cope with emotional distress after they have been through a traumatic event. It can ease PTSD somatic symptoms. Current evidence suggests that EMDR works faster than many other types of psychotherapies.
Here is a closer look at the findings of some studies that were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR.
➢ A 2015 study of 32 depressed people concluded that EMDR showed promise as a depression treatment. The researchers reported that 68 percent of the study participants who received EMDR were in complete remission after the treatment.
➢ A 2012 summary of research studies suggested that EDMR may help treat a single instance of trauma in children.
➢ A 2020 review of six studies reported that EMDR might help treat psychosis. In all six studies, EMDR helped relieve psychosis symptoms. Some participants reported experiencing fewer hallucinations and reduced dependence on medications.
➢ A 2017 study of 84 people with panic disorder concluded that EMDR could help ease panic disorder symptoms.
What Happens in a Typical EMDR Session?
EMDR sessions take place in a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment – your therapist’s office or an especially designed counseling area.
During a typical therapy session, your therapist asks you to focus on a memory while you watch their hand as they move it across your visual field.
As your therapist moves their hand, your brain processes and reprograms traumatic memories. The sensations you experience during a session can be intense and powerful but won’t cause discomfort.
The therapeutic process of EMDR is approached in 8 phases. All phases contribute to the overall effect of EMDR therapy, however, not all phases may be used in one session. Here are the 8 phases below:
➢ Phase 1: History Taking
➢ Phase 2: Preparation - your therapist will walk you through how the sessions will work
➢ Phase 3: Assessing the Target Memory
➢ Phase 4-7: Processing the Memory to Adaptive Resolution - this is when you’ll begin using the eye movements to integrate the traumatic memory
➢ Phase 8: Evaluating Treatment Results
What Makes EMDR Stand Out?
Other forms of therapy require you to process traumatic memories in depth, which can often be triggering. In EMDR therapy, you decide up to what extent you expose yourself to those traumatic memories. This prevents a high level of anxiety during treatment. You have the freedom to discuss or conceal the details of the trauma.
Since EMDR focuses on both sensations and emotions, it’s effective in information processing. EMDR prevents avoidance and promotes growth in a positive direction without having to look back.
EMDR Benefits
There are several benefits of EMDR therapy services. Especially for those who are suffering from PTSD and past trauma. Of the many benefits, patients report:
➢ Facilitates mental and emotional release
➢ Helps individuals better understand their thoughts, memories, and physical experience
➢ Helps reshape traumatic events
➢ Long-lasting effects
➢ Restores the brain’s ability to heal
➢ Does not require much talking
➢ Helps traumatized individuals improve their self-esteem
Signs That EMDR is Working
In working through EMDR services with your counselor, there are some important signs a professional will look for as a sign that the therapy is a right fit for your wellness. The many signs that your therapists will look for include the following:
➢ You can replace negative, self-deprecating thoughts with positive, healthy thoughts.
➢ You can effectively regulate your emotions.
➢ Improved sleep quality.
➢ Improved self-esteem. As you learn to regulate your emotions and reframe your thoughts, you realize how strong and capable you are.
Experiencing a traumatic event or dealing with trauma from your past can be challenging, but you do not have to go through it alone. If you are struggling with PTSD or trauma and looking for a team of professionals in the Bay Area to help, contact Calm Again Counseling. Our team of PTSD and trauma specialists offers EMDR therapy services. Our therapists have years of experience treating different types of mental illnesses. Their ability to develop customized mental health treatment plans and passion for their patient’s wellness is what sets them apart.To make an appointment, call (415) 480-5192.