Adjunct EMDR Therapy: Can It Complement Your Current Therapy?
Many people wonder if they can do EMDR therapy without leaving their current therapist who doesn't offer EMDR. You're not alone in wondering about this. The short answer is YES, EMDR can absolutely be used alongside other types of therapy. But there are some important things to know and consider.
Yes, You Can Integrate EMDR Therapy With Your Current Therapy
The good news is that integrating EMDR therapy alongside your ongoing therapy sessions is not only possible, but can be very beneficial. EMDR therapy is often used as an adjunct treatment. Over the years, we've found it to be a great complement to traditional talk therapy and other mental health support methods. We've built great relationships with therapists who don't offer EMDR therapy but see the benefit it offers their clients.
The Ethics of Adjunct EMDR Therapy
Therapists have an ethical duty not to provide duplicate or conflicting services as another therapist. This means you can't see two therapists at the same time for the same issue. But if two therapists are providing care to the same person using different modalities or focusing on different issues, it's okay. In order to be sure no duplication or contradictory treatment happens, the two therapists should communicate regularly. At our practice, we are diligent about communicating with primary therapists to ensure adjunct EMDR therapy remains ethical and beneficial.
The Importance of Good Communication With Adjunct EMDR Therapy
Collaboration between your EMDR therapist and your primary therapist is extremely important. It ensures continuity of care and maximizes the benefits of both approaches. It also ensures that there are no conflicting goals or modalities used. At our practice, we prioritize communication with your primary therapist throughout the whole EMDR therapy process. We will not do EMDR therapy with someone whose primary therapist is unaware or doesn't think it's a good idea. We'll chat with them after your first session, and then occasionally throughout your work with us. On average, we speak to your primary therapist once a month while you're receiving adjunct EMDR therapy.
Misconceptions About Adjunct EMDR Therapy
Some primary therapists may have incorrect ideas about EMDR therapy and are unsure if it could help. Some don't understand what it is and how it can be done adjunctively. We're happy to chat with your primary therapist to explain how it works.
EMDR Therapy Doesn't Just Involve Eye Movements/Bilateral Stimulation
People sometimes assume EMDR therapy only involves discussing traumatic memories while using bilateral stimulation. This isn't the case. Authentic EMDR therapy uses a comprehensive approach. Before addressing trauma, good EMDR therapy involves thorough history collection and resourcing phases. This can take some time. If your primary therapist doesn't understand this, they may be uncomfortable with how EMDR therapy proceeds. We always take care to explain to them how EMDR therapy is an 8 phase process and what those phases look like.
Understanding the Eight Phase Process of EMDR Therapy
True EMDR therapy involves more than processing traumatic memories. It begins with building a strong therapeutic alliance, establishing safety, and developing coping resources to support you through the journey of healing. This preparatory phase lays the foundation for effective trauma processing. If you skip it, EMDR therapy is likely to be ineffective, or too scary to complete.
Collaboration Between Providers is Key
We highly value collaboration with other mental health professionals and welcome clients seeking adjunct EMDR therapy. By explaining the EMDR therapy process to your primary therapist and initiating good communication, we ensure that everyone involved in your care is informed and supportive. This sets you up for success with your EMDR therapy processing.
When Adjunct EMDR Therapy Is Not A Good Idea
You Want To Leave Your Primary Therapist
Adjunct EMDR therapy is not a replacement for a strong therapeutic alliance with your primary therapist. If you have difficulty establishing trust and rapport with your primary therapist or if there are significant barriers to communication, adjunct EMDR may not be suitable. Consider why you want to engage in EMDR therapy before starting.
Unstable Mental Health Conditions
If you're currently experiencing significant mental health symptoms that are not well-managed, such as acute psychosis or active substance abuse, adjunct EMDR therapy may not be appropriate.
Lack of Commitment to EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy requires a commitment to the process and a willingness to engage in challenging emotional work over time. If you're not committed to attending sessions regularly and participating in therapy, adjunct EMDR therapy may not be effective. We’ve found that people who try EMDR therapy just to say they tried it don’t have great outcomes.
Alexis Bibler, AMFT, EMDR therapist, listening to a client reflect during EMDR processing.
EMDR Therapy In Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Throughout California & Florida
If you're considering EMDR therapy as part of your treatment plan, we're here to help you take the next step. Schedule a consultation today to explore how adjunct EMDR therapy can complement your current therapy and support your healing journey. Our skilled EMDR therapists are ready to help.
