EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from symptoms that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Studies show that by using EMDR therapy, people can experience relief from these symptoms in just a short amount of time, despite the widely assumed notion that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal.
When specific memories of traumatic experiences (flashbacks, nightmares) are the cause of concern, and interrupt the ability to participate in treatment without becoming overwhelmed, EMDR will be used in attempt to clear that memory hurdle that is preventing forward progress. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, therapists help clients to overcome these hurdles and resume the healing process.
This type of treatment relies on the process of bilateral stimulation (left-right visual cues, auditory tones, or touch) and repeated, but brief exposures to retellings of their traumatic experience. The idea is that through such desensitization and activating the biological mechanisms similar to those involved in REM sleep, individuals can work through the disturbing memories while remaining in the safety of the therapist’s presence.
Educating clients about the processes and procedures involved in EMDR therapy is a core tenant of its practice, and you can expect to learn more in-depth from them directly during your EMDR session.
Does it Really Work?
EMDR therapy has been backed by numerous anecdotal stories of true life change, as well as more than 30 empirically-based studies. Some claim that 84-90% of individuals who suffer from a singular traumatic episode have had their symptoms alleviated after only three 90-minute sessions. Another impressive large-scale study conducted through Kaiser Permanente found that after six 50-minute sessions, 100% of single trauma and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer met criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Another study involving combat veterans boasted similar results with 77% reporting freedom from PTSD symptoms after 12 sessions.
Because of these impressive research studies, EMDR has gained more widespread appeal, and is now recognized by major organizations in the realm of social sciences, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, among others.
Over 100,000 clinicians use this therapy today to treat not only extreme cases of trauma, but also to help individuals overcome the “everyday” instances that so often lead to low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. For the many millions of reasons that individuals seek out therapy, millions have been treated successfully using EMDR.