Our 6 Favorite Myths About EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. With its rise in popularity, misconceptions about EMDR have increase. Here's our list of our six favorite myths about EMDR therapy, and the truths behind them.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #1: "EMDR is a quick fix"
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about EMDR therapy is that it offers a quick fix. While working with an EMDR therapist can produce significant results in a shorter amount of time than talk therapy, it's not an instant fix. The duration of treatment varies depending on individual needs and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Like any form of therapy, EMDR requires commitment and participation from the client to achieve lasting results.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #2: "EMDR is only for PTSD”
While EMDR therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, you do not need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from EMDR. EMDR can be beneficial for people struggling with anxiety, phobias, grief, relationship issues, and more. EMDR can help address unresolved issues from childhood or past experiences that contribute to current emotional distress. EMDR therapy is a versatile tool that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #3: "EMDR involves hypnosis"
EMDR therapy does not involve hypnosis. While both therapies aim to access distressing memories, they operate through different mechanisms. In EMDR therapy, the client remains fully awake and alert throughout the session. They can stop whenever they want. The therapist guides the client through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. EMDR therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices and does not rely on hypnotic induction. That said, we do see some clients go into a meditative and focused state while doing EMDR.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #4: "The effects of EMDR are temporary"
EMDR therapy creates lasting changes by reprocessing traumatic memories and changing negative beliefs associated with them. This is not temporary. If the relief experienced is temporary, something got missed during the processing and the memory shoud be re-assessed. EMDR therapy helps people experience lasting relief from distressing symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms. While individual experiences may vary, clients who initially report relief also report long-term benefits that extend beyond the completion of treatment.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #5: "EMDR only involves bilateral stimulation, nothing else"
Bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, is used during the desensitization phase process traumatic memories. While bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR therapy, it is not the only technique used. EMDR therapy is an eight-phase process and not all phases involve bilateral stimulation. Some of the phases include assessment, preparation, desensitization, installation, and closure. The timing and during of these phases are tailored to your specific needs.
EMDR Therapy Misconception #6: "You can do EMDR on yourself with an app"
Please don't do this. EMDR therapy should only be administered by trained and licensed mental health professionals. While there are apps and self-help resources that claim to offer EMDR-like experiences, they are not true EMDR. EMDR therapy involves a complex therapeutic process that requires specialized training, clinical judgment, and ethical considerations. Attempting to perform EMDR on yourself without supervision is potentially harmful. It's best to seek EMDR from a qualified EMDR therapist who can provide personalized care throughout the treatment process.
Most of the time, what these apps actually offer is binaural beats or other sounds. These can be relaxing, and if you generally feel okay in your day-to-day, you might utilize these apps to relax while thinking of calming, positive memories. But don't process trauma with them.
Alexis Bibler, AMFT, EMDR therapist, listening to a client reflect during EMDR processing.
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