EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
More than 70% of the population will have a traumatic experience at some point in their lives. Together, we can face it using EMDR as one of our defenses.
What is EMDR?
The 8-phases of EMDR
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing trauma symptoms has been well documented but it is not the only type of psychological treatment available. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a structured approach that is usually completed in 6-15 sessions of 60 minutes or more. EMDR has the following eight phases of treatment:
- History: The client provides background information and establishes treatment goals with the therapist.
- Preparation: The therapist will set treatment expectations and help develop appropriate coping tools.
- Assessment: Specific memories are identified as the target of reprocessing. The therapist will help the client identify both negative as well as positive thoughts.
- Desensitization: The negative memory is recalled and bilateral stimulation occurs. The client also reports on corresponding thoughts and feelings.
- Installation: Positive thoughts are reinforced that will replace negative beliefs.
- Body scan: The client is asked to report on how they feel physically as a result of re-experiencing the negative event and corresponding thoughts.
- Closure: This occurs at the end of every session. It examines how the client feels as a result of going through desensitization and installation and provides them with tools to cope until the next session. It provides feelings of confidence and safety in the process.
- Reevaluation: This last phase is when the therapist and client will review progress and adjust goals for present and future sessions.
Although this may seem like an unusual treatment approach, it has yielded positive results. Almost all research has acknowledged the efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of trauma.
Is EMDR Right for You?
Learn to manage your emotions….
If you feel like you are not coping well with a traumatic event, have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or are experiencing something highly distressing, EMDR may be right for you.
It is particularly helpful for those people who find themselves frequently flooded with emotions that they feel they cannot control. Additionally, EMDR has shown promise in treating other problems. Specifically, it has exhibited positive outcomes in treating depression and chronic pain, as well as some forms of anxiety.
The main advantage of EMDR is that you undergo therapy without having to endure the full impact of the negative emotions associated with a traumatic event. Because bilateral sensory stimulation appears to act as a buffer, the client undertaking EMDR may see the same benefits without experiencing as much negative emotional arousal.
At Therapy Unlocked, we recognize the difficulty of addressing sensitive topics, such as those involved with trauma and stressful life events. We strive to make counseling a comfortable and effective experience. We have seasoned therapists trained in EMDR waiting to serve you.
With EMDR, you should be seeing significant improvement within the first few months. If not, you may want to consider another type of therapy.
