What To Expect When You Begin EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular and effective forms of trauma treatment. Targeting traumatic experiences and adjacent negative thought patterns, EMDR is able to improve emotional and physical distress when faced with memories, triggers, or symptoms associated with disorders such as PTSD. Not only does EMDR prove to be incredibly effective for the treatment of PTSD, but it is now being utilized more often for other mental illnesses or conditions.
Some conditions or experiences EMDR would be able to help:
-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
-Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
-Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
-Stress & Anxiety
-Depression
-Sexual Trauma
-Childhood Abuse
-Domestic Abuse or Intimate Partner Violence
-Low Self-Esteem/Confidence
-Addiction
-Eating Disorders
-Panic Attacks
-Personality Disorders
-Sexual Dysfunction
Really, I think a better question is, what conditions can EMDR not help with?
How Does It Work?
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation (alternating stimulation of each side of your body). This bilateral stimulation is believed to develop a stronger connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain to facilitate deeper, more effective processing. This can lead to shorter length of treatment, faster recovery periods, and less distress and discomfort for the client. BUT, this is just one theory for how the process works. The real answer is that we aren’t entirely sure what the specific mechanisms are that make EMDR so effective.
The same concept of bilateral stimulation is used to install positive belief systems that will combat negative self-talk, negative core beliefs, and persistent distorted thinking. Reinforcing resourcing exercises such as grounding and coping skills are emphasized in the early stages to ensure stability and readiness to process.
What Should I Expect In My First Session?
In the first session of EMDR therapy, you will likely begin learning about EMDR concepts and assess if EMDR is an appropriate course of treatment. History taking and additional assessments are typical in the early stages to learn more about you and your experiences. If EMDR is mutually agreed upon, the development of resourcing skills will begin. These exercises can vary depending on what you’re comfortable with. Some of the most popular options (and my personal favorites) are “safe place” and “container.” However, there are multiple options to try to find what fits your personal therapy style.
I personally love when clients bring tons of questions into these sessions. This is the time to ask them all! This is your process, and I want to ensure you feel comfortable and confident as we progress through each stage. There is no such thing as too many questions!
Some awesome online learning resources I usually direct my clients to are:
What’s Next?
Target sequence planning begins. A specific treatment plan is developed collaboratively between you and your therapist to determine a beginning goal for processing. You will likely be asked to choose a distressing event or memory in your past and identify negative beliefs, emotions, and sensations surrounding that event. Additionally, you’ll include other events that fall along the same train of thought. For example, an individual who may struggle with feelings of worthlessness may think back to the events in their life that reinforced this internalized belief.
After determining the negative core belief to be targeted, you’ll identify an adaptive belief or a belief that works to neutralize the negative belief. This is the belief that builds confidence, autonomy, and peace. To continue with the example above of worthlessness, the adaptive belief may be “I am worthy of love and affection, regardless.” This is just one specific example. In your personal experience, we will make sure it is something that resonates with you!
Let’s Process!
The next phase is processing! There are a variety of different techniques to use when performing bilateral stimulation. Eye movements using finger guides or lights, tapping on the legs if eye movements are not an option, and devices to hold that produce the stimulation.
Processing typically takes multiple sessions, but there is no “normal” length of time. We all process differently and at different speeds. There is no right or wrong length of time to process! During processing, you may experience heavy emotions, physical sensations, and resurfacing memories. In the days following the processing experience, you may notice new memories, strong emotions, or odd dreams and nightmares. There is good news! You’re processing the negative belief or trauma without actually having to come to therapy to do so! Your mind is subconsciously working and healing all on its own. This is typically why we wait at least seven days between processing sessions. After a negative belief is no longer distressing and interfering with daily life, we review the initial target sequence plan and look for any residual distress related to past, present, or future situations.
How Do I Get Started?
There’s so much information about the process of EMDR, and new research is constantly underway. I understand that the information in this blog is a general overview of the process, and you might have more specific questions. I’m here to support you in this process and learn more about how EMDR can help you achieve your goals of a happier and healthier you!
Contact Me for more information and to get started on your healing journey today.