What is EMDR and is it right for me?
Whether you already know that you are looking for an EMDR therapist or are just looking for help and have never heard of EMDR before, you might have some questions about the process and whether it's the right approach for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about EMDR, as well as some informative videos, to help you decide if EMDR might be right for you.
What is EMDR and what does it stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based trauma focused treatment that pairs bilateral stimulation with addressing difficult memories, emotions, and beliefs. Although EMDR originally was developed with eye movements as the bilateral stimulation, we now know that tactile or auditory means work as well, allowing the client to choose which is most comfortable and effective for their processing. The bilateral stimulation is believed to help regulate the nervous system, facilitate adaptive processing of the traumatic memories, and help the client have their attention both on the past and the present as they address trauma. EMDR typically includes talking about the traumatic or difficult memories, but includes less talking than traditional therapy and you do not need to share every detail.
Why should I consider EMDR?
Many people find that simply talking about traumatic memories in therapy is not effective for healing - it often feels too overwhelming or doesn't seem to lead to much improvement. EMDR helps clients to revisit those difficult emotions and memories in a way that often leads to less distress, new insights, and feeling less stuck.
I don't think I really have trauma; would EMDR still be helpful?
EMDR is helpful in addressing difficult past experiences and stuck emotions or beliefs, even if those don't seem to fit the traditional definition of trauma. This can be helpful in addressing issues like depression, anxiety or phobias, relationship difficulties, chronic health issues, and body image concerns.
How many EMDR sessions will I need? Can I get started right away? The number of sessions needed will be different for each person, depending on factors like the amount of trauma experienced and your own personal response to the treatment. In addition, the beginning of the EMDR process will include assessment and preparation phases that include going over your history, identifying targets and goals, and building resources to cope with difficult emotions. Some people need more time in the preparation phases in order to find the EMDR re-processing helpful and to prevent emotional overwhelm.
Do I have to be in-person or can I do telehealth sessions?
You are able to do EMDR in-person or virtually. Some people prefer to be in-person as the presence of the therapist in the room can be grounding and helpful, but many people benefit from telehealth EMDR. My telehealth platform includes a built in module to facilitate eye movements or auditory bilateral stimulation.
I'm interested in Art Therapy and EMDR - is it possible to do both?
Yes, I'm happy to incorporate Art Therapy into the EMDR process. Art Therapy seems to be most helpful in EMDR in the preparation phases in building coping skills, resource installation, and setting future goals, but may also be incorporated into the processing when desired. Guided art can also be a helpful way to calm and ground yourself at the end of a session or continue your processing between sessions.
The videos below provide additional information about EMDR, it's benefits, and what a session might look like. If you're ready to get started or want to talk with a therapist about whether EMDR is right for you, contact me today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
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