EMDR Therapy: Common Questions About How It Can Help You Feel Better

Wouldn’t it be great if seeing or hearing a reminder of something bad that happened to you didn’t upset you much? With EMDR, that's completely possible.

If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or a phobia, EMDR could be a great option for you. It can help you process and resolve tough memories in a more effective way. This often leads to a decrease in your symptoms.

EMDR Therapy: The Basics

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It's a special therapy that has been proven to be helpful for people who have gone through tough experiences. EMDR can often work faster than other therapies

EMDR Therapy: The Background

When EMDR was first created, it was used to help veterans and first responders who had PTSD. It worked better than most other treatments avaialble at the time. Lots of research has been done over the last few decades. It turns out EMDR can also help with other problems like anxiety, depression, and phobias. It can even help with relationship issues and problems with feeling close to others. EMDR is especially good for people have a hard time talking about things they've been through.

How does EMDR Therapy Work?

So, how does EMDR therapy work? EMDR therapy takes place in eight different parts, or what we call phases. In the first phase, your therapist talks with you about the problem and learns about your past. This helps them create a customized plan for how to help you best. Next, your EMDR therapist will teach you skills to cope with your feelings during and after therapy sessions. It's important for your therapist to spend time helping you learn coping skills.

After that, you'll move on to the processing phases, which are the next five parts of EMDR therapy. In these phases, your therapist will guide you through some exercises while you focus on an upsetting memory or thought. It's okay if you're not sure exactly what it is at first. The therapy will help you figure it out. Finally, there's a closure phase, where your therapist helps you make a plan for dealing with any remaining feelings or problems.

EMDR Therapy Isn’t Always Easy

It's worth mentioning that EMDR therapy can feel intense. That's because it involves thinking about difficult and upsetting events. But with the right therapist, the intensity of those events starts to fade away. Before you talk about anything upsetting, you’ll spend time learning strategies to soothe yourself.

Almost everyone can benefit from EMDR therapy, but there are a few cases where extra care is needed. If you're pregnant or taking certain drugs, your therapist will need to take some simple precautions. It's also important to tell your therapist if you have a history of seizures.

If you think EMDR therapy might be helpful, schedule a free consultation. We'll chat to see if we can connect you with one of our therapists who specializes in EMDR.

Common EMDR Therapy Questions

You may have questions about how EMDR therapy can fit into your demanding schedule. You might wonder if EMDR can benefit your work and personal life. Let's address some common questions.

Why do we use eye movement in EMDR therapy?

Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered that moving her eyes back and forth while thinking about a distressing event made her feel less upset. After conducting lots of research, she developed EMDR therapy as a formal treatment. It has evolved and become even more effective over the years. Nowadays, EMDR is used in different ways, including virtual sessions. It doesn't always involve eye movement anymore. Research has shown that other types of back-and-forth movements, like sounds or tapping, can be just as effective. The important thing is the bilateral stimulation.

How time-consuming is EMDR therapy, and can it fit into a hectic schedule?

EMDR therapy is designed to be efficient and effective. While the number of sessions needed varies, it often provides relief in a shorter timeframe compared to other therapies. That's because it's an evidence-based practice. Our therapists understand the demands of a busy schedule and offer flexible appointment times. That way you can focus on your mental health without sacrificing too much.

Is EMDR therapy effective?

Yes, EMDR therapy is considered an evidence-based treatment. It has been extensively researched and proven to be effective for various mental health conditions. It is especially helpful for trauma-related issues like PTSD. Many clients have experienced significant improvements in their symptoms and well-being with EMDR.

Will EMDR therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?

Some people experience temporary increases in distress during EMDR therapy sessions. It makes sense because you are revisiting difficult memories. This is when you get to put your new coping skills to good use. The goal of EMDR is to help you process and resolve these memories in a more effective way. This leads to a reduction in your overall distress and symptoms over time.

How soon can I expect to see results from EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy has shown positive outcomes in a shorter period than other treatments. While individual experiences vary, some clients report improvements within a few processing sessions. By addressing the root causes of distress, EMDR therapy creates lasting change.

Can EMDR therapy be combined with other forms of therapy or medication?

Yes, EMDR therapy can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches. It's important to communicate with your therapist about any ongoing treatments or medications. That way your therapist can ensure proper coordination and optimize your care.

Can EMDR therapy enhance my professional performance?

Absolutely. EMDR can address work-related stress, performance anxiety, or beliefs that may hinder your success. Ever heard of imposter syndrome? EMDR can address that. By resolving these issues, it can contribute to improved focus, resilience, and well-being in the workplace. EMDR has the potential to optimize your professional performance and help you thrive.

Can EMDR therapy work alongside my current work commitments?

Certainly. EMDR therapy seamlessly integrates into your existing work routine. Our therapists work with you to establish a treatment plan that doesn't disrupt your life. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and will support you in achieving it.

Are there any side effects or downtime associated with EMDR therapy?

In general, EMDR therapy does not demand significant downtime. Sometimes we hear that people feel tired or have a headache after a processing session. Many people find they can resume work and daily activities without major disruption. Your therapist can guide you on managing any potential side effects. We can also be strategic about scheduling to optimize your work-life balance during the process.

How do I find a qualified EMDR therapist?

When searching for an EMDR therapist, it's important to look for someone who is trained and experienced in delivering EMDR therapy. At minimum, they need to have completed an EMDRIA-certified 50-hour base training course, and it is recommended they have ongoing consultation. You can ask your primary care provider or mental health professional for referrals. Additionally, professional organizations like EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) provide directories of certified EMDR therapists, though many qualified and skilled EMDR therapists do not pursue full certification.

Feel free to discuss any additional questions or concerns with your therapist. They will work with you to customize your therapy experience, ensuring it aligns with your needs and enables you to achieve your goals.

Are You Ready to Start EMDR Therapy?

If you're looking for a therapy that can help you feel better and heal from difficult experiences, give EMDR therapy a try. It's a proven therapy that can make a real difference in your life.