(This guide is adapted from materials created by Marilyn Luber and HHP-Deutschland. It provides a general overview of EMDR therapy and should be used in conjunction with professional therapeutic care.)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. While EMDR is known for its use of eye movements, it’s actually a comprehensive eight-phase treatment that helps process difficult memories and emotions.
How Does EMDR Work?
When traumatic events occur, they can become “locked” in your mind, complete with the original images, sounds, feelings, and sensations. EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories using bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements, hand taps, or auditory tones) while you focus on the traumatic memory. This helps your brain process the experience differently, reducing its impact and helping you develop healthier coping mechanisms.
During treatment, you might experience:
- Changes in how you remember the event
- Reduced emotional intensity when recalling memories
- New insights about the experience
- Improved ability to cope with similar situations
- Greater sense of personal empowerment
The Eight Phases of EMDR Treatment
1. History Taking: Your therapist learns about your background and develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Preparation: You learn coping strategies and stress management techniques to help you handle emotional distress.
3. Assessment: You and your therapist identify specific memories to work on and how they affect you.
4. Desensitisation: Using bilateral stimulation, you process the memory and associated material until the distress decreases.
5. Installation: Your therapist helps strengthen positive beliefs about yourself in relation to the processed memory.
6. Body Scan: You check for any remaining physical tension or discomfort.
7. Closure: Each session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure you feel grounded.
8. Re-evaluation: At the start of subsequent sessions, you and your therapist review progress and identify any new areas that need attention.
What to Expect During Treatment
- You remain fully conscious and in control throughout the process
- You can stop the process at any time by raising your hand
- The therapist acts as a guide, helping you process memories at your own pace
- Processing continues between sessions, and you may experience new insights or memories
- You’ll be encouraged to keep track of any changes between session
Between Sessions
- Processing continues as your brain integrates changes
- You may experience new insights or memories
- Dreams might be more vivid or meaningful
- You might notice changes in your reactions to triggers
- Keep track of changes to discuss with your therapist
Research Support
EMDR is one of the most thoroughly researched trauma treatments available. Studies show that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after just three sessions. For complex trauma, treatment may take longer but remains highly effective.
While EMDR is well-known for treating trauma, it can also help with:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and mood disorders
- Phobias and fears
- Chronic pain
- Addictions
- Performance anxiety
- Self-esteem issues
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
Making the Most of Your EMDR Treatment
- Maintain open communication with your therapist
- Practice coping skills between sessions
- Keep track of changes and new insights
- Take care of yourself during treatment
- Trust the process, even when it feels challenging
Self-Care During Treatment
- Get adequate rest, especially after sessions
- Maintain regular exercise and healthy eating habits
- Use your coping skills when needed
- Keep your support system informed
- Allow yourself time to process and heal
Final Thoughts
EMDR is a powerful tool for healing, but everyone’s experience is unique. Your therapist will work with you to ensure the approach meets your specific needs and circumstances. Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to move at your own pace.