Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy intended for treating the painful psychological effects of traumatic experiences. For some, this may come in the form of depression, anxiety, avoidance, and, most notably, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR helps individuals "reprocess" painful or scary experiences by employing the brain's natural tendency to heal and recover through bilateral stimulation. This might be eye movements, tapping, or audio input. Then, the body can properly store and integrate the experience into long-term memory, relieving the side effects.
EMDR therapy is extensively researched and a proven method in treating trauma. Learn more about EMDR and its history here.
What Can I Expect From the EMDR Process?
We want to provide clients with realistic expectations about the EMDR process. EMDR is an 8-phase process that requires preliminary assessment, background, and foundational work before moving on to the "desensitization phase.” The duration of these initial stages varies depending on the individual and is the period where we determine if EMDR is right for you. Think about it like open-heart surgery. A competent surgeon would not go right into such an invasive procedure without having a clear understanding of the patient's history, medical assessment, and ability to tolerate such a process. In many cases, EMDR is not a quick in-out process in one or even two sessions. However, some clients can process a singular event quickly.
The EMDR process occurs between you and your therapist as you collaboratively establish a "target memory" and build rapport. Your therapist will educate you and guide you through the process. While there is no determined length for EMDR therapy, the process usually involves 6-12 sessions. Depending on the client's history and the complexity of concerns, it may be shorter or longer.
While not a strict equivalence, a single hour of EMDR can often be considered to have a similar therapeutic impact to several hours of traditional talk therapy due to the intensive nature of the process, meaning that one EMDR session can sometimes feel like multiple "regular" therapy sessions; however, it's important to remember that the effectiveness of any therapy depends on the individual and their specific needs, and not every situation will see such a dramatic difference. Learn more about the EMDR process through EMDRIA.
Interested in Starting EMDR Therapy?
Tyler Potzler is an EMDR therapist trained by Paula Merucci, LCSW. He is currently accepting new clients at Fountaingate Wellness. Please visit his profile or contact us to learn more.