The Benefits of EMDR Therapy For Trauma & PTSD

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a widely-studied trauma-focused therapy developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. After a person experiences trauma, he/she often has a difficult time processing what happened. Disturbing events can get stuck in the brain in the form of images, thoughts, feelings and body sensations. EMDR helps individuals process their trauma, which can open the door to healing.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

During EMDR therapy, your therapist will ask you to think of an upsetting memory, while bilateral stimulation is applied. While bilateral stimulation can be visual, auditory or tactile, depending on what you respond to best, traditionally, EMDR is administered using visual stimulation; you rapidly move your eyes back and forth to follow your therapists’ fingers, which are moving quickly from side-to side. This is done until your memory of the trauma shifts into something that feels less troublesome.

How does EMDR work exactly?

Before you begin EMDR, you will gain insight from your therapist about physical and emotional responses to trauma. Once you agree that you are ready to focus on traumatic memories throughout the therapeutic process, you will then learn some new skills to help you cope with upsetting memories. Then, you determine the difficult memory that you want to focus on, which EMDR therapists refer to as “the target.” During this time, you will share negative thoughts, feelings or sensations related to the traumatic memory.

Next, in 30-second increments, you will focus on the therapists’ back and forth movement while holding the difficult memory in your mind until your level of discomfort decreases. The human brain is designed naturally to move toward healing and growth. After that, you will discuss your experience of the exercise with your therapist. Eventually, you will pay attention to a positive thought and feeling while thinking of the trauma.

It is completely normal to feel more triggered during this time and it’s important to use the coping strategies provided prior to the first session to reduce distress.

How does EMDR therapy differ from other types of therapy?

EMDR therapy is an accelerated form of therapy, meaning that what other therapeutic approaches may accomplish in many sessions, EMDR can accomplish in significantly fewer sessions. It is also a type of therapy that doesn’t require talking about the details of the actual trauma; rather, participants are asked to think of the trauma and describe what they experience when they think about it.

How many sessions of EMDR therapy would I need?

The number of sessions is often determined by the extent of the trauma. It’s possible for individuals with a single trauma to receive the full benefit of the therapy after just six weekly sessions. Those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with multiple traumas will likely require additional sessions. Most frequently, EMDR is used for a period of weekly sessions for 1-3 months.

How can I get started?

If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulties related to a traumatic event or multiple traumas, EMDR is something to consider as an accelerated alternative to traditional talk therapy. Several of our therapists offer EMDR therapy and are happy to answer any questions you may have about it. Contact us at clientcare@nashvillepsych.com.