Is EMDR Suitable for My Needs?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a revolutionary therapy that has been transforming lives for over three decades. Developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, this evidence-based approach has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in processing and healing from traumatic memories or emotional conflicts [1][2][3][4].
EMDR involves an eight-phase process designed to help individuals manage their trauma safely. The eight stages of EMDR therapy are:
- History Taking: In this initial phase, the therapist and client review the client’s history, identify specific distressing memories or issues to target, and set therapy goals [1][2][3][4].
- Preparation: The client is taught coping and grounding techniques to manage emotional distress during therapy, ensuring safety and control [1][2][3].
- Assessment: The client and therapist select a particular target memory to focus on, identifying associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations linked to it [1][2][3].
- Desensitization: While holding the target memory in mind, the client engages in bilateral stimulation, which facilitates reprocessing of the memory, reducing its emotional intensity without erasing it [1][2][3][4].
- Installation: Positive, adaptive beliefs related to the memory (such as "I am safe now") are strengthened to replace the previous negative beliefs [1][2].
- Body Scan: The client mentally scans their body to detect and resolve any residual physical tension connected to the memory [1][2].
- Closure: Sessions end with relaxation and grounding techniques to ensure the client feels calm and stable, with coping strategies discussed for between sessions [1][2].
- Reevaluation: At the start of subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses progress by checking if distress around processed memories remains low and positive changes persist [1][2].
EMDR is not limited to people with PTSD or specific trauma memories. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty with traditional talk therapies or for those who prefer a therapeutic approach that does not require extensive verbal recounting of traumatic events [2]. Beyond trauma and PTSD, EMDR is applied to other conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), grief, phobias, panic attacks, chronic pain, performance anxiety, and intrusive negative self-beliefs [2].
At our website, clients can fill out a form and schedule an intake to start their EMDR journey. Our team, led by licensed and trained therapist Kimberly Oftedahl-Brooks, LICSW, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to mental health services, including EMDR, DBT, medication management, psychological testing, and more [5]. Each EMDR session typically lasts one hour and is scheduled weekly. Clients can have open, ongoing conversations about their treatment and progress, and our website offers ongoing support between sessions if needed [6].
It is essential to note that EMDR is a safe treatment and is not a magic cure or harmful. Contrary to misconception, clients will not get stuck in a trauma memory during EMDR sessions [7]. Our website offers in-person and telehealth sessions to meet clients where they’re most comfortable, and the duration of EMDR can vary, with some people working through an issue all at once and others doing EMDR on and off for years [8].
EMDR is paid for by insurance, making it an accessible option for many. If you are struggling with emotional conflicts or traumatic memories, consider exploring the transformative power of EMDR. You are not alone in your journey, as our website is here to help you every step of the way.
References:
[1] Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Publications.
[2] American Psychological Association. (2013). Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD in Adults. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments
[3] World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506219
[4] Van Etten, S. L., & Taylor, A. J. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: a comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(5), 575-595.
[5] Our Team. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.com/our-team
[6] FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.com/faqs
[7] Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.emdr.com/faqs/
[8] What to Expect. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.com/what-to-expect
Science paper sessions could be scheduled at our health-and-wellness hub, providing evidence-based therapies and treatments like EMDR for mental health enhancement. Alongside EMDR, our team offers additional services, such as DBT, medication management, psychological testing, and more, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
