What Is EMDR Therapy? (Complete Guide)

Introduction

You've heard of EMDR. It's a well-known treatment for trauma. But what exactly is it? And could it help you?

In this guide, I'll explain EMDR therapy.

What Is EMDR?

Definition

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a psychotherapy approach that helps people process and heal from traumatic memories.

Created By

Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

The Core Idea

Traumatic memories can get "stuck" in the brain. EMDR helps the brain process these memories so they no longer cause distress.

How EMDR Works

The Adaptive Information Processing Model

The brain naturally processes information. Sometimes, traumatic experiences don't get processed properly. They become "stuck."

EMDR helps complete the processing.

The 8 Phases

History taking - Review your history
Preparation - Learn coping skills
Assessment - Identify target memory
Desensitization - Process the memory
Installation - Install positive belief
Body scan - Check for remaining tension
Closure - End session
Reevaluation - Check progress

Bilateral Stimulation

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation:

Eye movements
Tapping
Auditory tones

This seems to help the brain process memories.

What EMDR Treats

Primary Uses

PTSD (very effective)
Trauma
Anxiety
Phobias
Depression

Other Applications

Grief
Addictions
Performance anxiety
Chronic pain

What to Expect

Typical Session

Identify target memory
Rate distress (SUDs scale)
Identify negative belief
Identify positive belief
Do bilateral stimulation
Notice what comes up
Rate again
Install positive belief
Body scan

Number of Sessions

Varies. Some issues resolve in 6-12 sessions. Complex trauma takes longer.

Between Sessions

You may process things on your own. Dreams, memories, emotions may come up.

Is EMDR Evidence-Based?

Research

Very strong evidence for:

PTSD (multiple studies show it's as effective as CBT)

Good evidence for:

Anxiety
Depression
Phobias

Professional Recognition

American Psychiatric Association
World Health Organization
Many other organizations

EMDR vs Talk Therapy

Talk Therapy

Cognitive understanding
Language-based
May take longer for trauma

EMDR

Brain processing
Experience-based
Often faster for trauma

Which Is Better?

Depends on the person and issue. Both can help.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Well-researched
Can be faster than talk therapy
Less reliance on detailed disclosure
Works for many types of trauma

Cons

Can be intense
Requires trained mental health professional
May not be right for everyone

Finding an EMDR mental health professional

Look For

EMDRIA certification
Training from EMDR Institute or EMDR Europe
Experience with your issue

Questions to Ask

What is your training?
How long have you been doing EMDR?
What issues do you specialize in?

Tips for Success

1. Be Patient

Processing takes time.

2. Trust the Process

Things may come up between sessions.

3. Do Homework

Your mental health professional may give you tasks.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Rest, self-care between sessions.

Conclusion

EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based treatment for trauma and other issues. It helps the brain process stuck memories. If you've been struggling with traumatic experiences, EMDR might help.

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