EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people process traumatic memories and emotional distress. For decades, it has been used to treat people struggling with traumatic experiences, negative emotions, and other mental health conditions. The EMDR treatment has gained recognition worldwide and is endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For those who are affected by present-day mental health issues, EMDR therapy helps individuals process and heal from traumatic and distressing memories. An EMDR session aims to reprocess memories to reduce their emotional impact. By using a technique called bilateral stimulation, which involves moving the eyes back and forth or receiving other alternating stimuli while focusing on negative thoughts or traumatic memories, EMDR alleviates patient symptoms of depression and other similar health conditions.
What conditions can EMDR treat?
EMDR therapy sessions effectively treat mental health conditions related to trauma, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many people find EMDR beneficial in processing trauma memories.
- Anxiety: EMDR is known to reduce negative emotions associated with anxiety disorders.
- Depression: EMDR helps manage depressive symptoms by addressing underlying negative beliefs.
- Panic attacks: EMDR therapists work to break the connection between traumatic memories and panic attacks.
- Addiction: EMDR can help by addressing trauma or negative thoughts that contribute to addiction.
How does EMDR work?
During an EMDR session, the therapist asks the patient to focus on a distressing memory while following a moving object or receiving other forms of bilateral stimulation to reprocess the memory. The hope is that the memory becomes easier to think through over time.
EMDR therapy work is based on the idea that traumatic memories can get “stuck” in the mind. When this happens, it leads to recurring fixation on negative beliefs and negative thoughts that affect how a person feels and behaves.
What is the process of EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase process:
- History-taking: The therapist assesses your mental health and the traumatic experiences that need to be addressed.
- Phase 2 preparation: The therapist explains the process and ensures the patient has the tools to manage emotional distress during the EMDR session.
- Assessment: The therapist identifies a negative memory or belief and its associated emotions.
- Desensitization: The patient focuses on the memory while following bilateral stimulation.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are introduced to replace negative ones.
- Body Scan: the therapist ensures that no physical distress is still associated with the negative memory.
- Closure: The session ends, and the patient is guided through relation techniques.
- Reevaluation: The therapist assesses how well the memory has been processed in future sessions.
Each phase intends to ensure the patient feels safe and supported throughout the therapy process. Typically, a full course of EMDR treatment takes 6 and 12 sessions. This depends on the severity of the trauma and the individual’s progress.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The length of EMDR therapy sessions varies depending on the individual. The complexity of the trauma being treated comes into play as well. Some people may see improvement after a few sessions. However, others may need to consider long-term therapy sessions. On average, it takes between 6 to 12 sessions to experience benefits from EMDR therapy. Each individual session usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes.
What are the benefits of EMDR therapy?
The benefits of EMDR therapy are numerous, including:
- Reducing anxiety and panic symptoms
- Helping people process and move on from traumatic or distressing memories
- Lowering negative beliefs and emotions
- Helping to improve mood and functioning
- Providing long-term relief from PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Improving the ability to manage stress and emotional triggers
The research shows lasting improvements, making it an effective solution for many individuals battling the effects of trauma and other mental health conditions.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with EMDR?
EMDR is safe when performed by a trained therapist. However, like any other therapy, there may be risks, such as:
- Increased emotional sensitivity as they process traumatic memories
- Temporary feelings of distress or discomfort
- Intense dreams or flashbacks as memories are reprocessed
These intense side effects decrease as time goes on. EMDR therapists know what to expect and can help you cope, manage, and think through the difficult and traumatic memories that come to the fore during the process of healing.
EMDR Therapy at Fountain Hills Recovery
At Fountain Hills Recovery, we want to help you overcome any trauma, depression, and anxiety you experience. We approach every situation differently because every person is unique. From holistic to evidence-based treatments like medication, we offer a personalized approach that promotes lasting mental wellness. Our team of experts excels in providing EMDR therapy.
If you or someone you know suffers from trauma, depression, or anxiety, inquire at (888) 788-7033.
