EMDR Therapy

Learn more about EMDR Therapy:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, developed by Francine Shapiro, is a powerful and evidence-based approach used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, particularly those related to traumatic experiences. During EMDR sessions, individuals work with a trained therapist to engage in bilateral stimulation, often in the form of side-to-side eye movements. This process helps activate the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed in a more adaptive way. EMDR can lead to significant reductions in emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, and physiological arousal related to past traumas. Overall, EMDR is a structured and effective therapy that can help individuals move towards healing and resolution of past wounds. 

EMDR Therapy: Conditions Treated

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized approach that has been found effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Some of the conditions EMDR therapy is commonly used for include:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR therapy is most well-known for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. It helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the distress associated with them.

2. Anxiety Disorders: EMDR therapy can be beneficial for individuals struggling with different types of anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

3. Depression: EMDR therapy may help individuals with depression by targeting negative beliefs and experiences that contribute to their symptoms.

4. Panic Attacks: EMDR therapy can assist individuals in addressing underlying triggers and emotions associated with panic attacks.

5. Addiction: EMDR therapy is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for individuals in addiction recovery to address past traumas that may be contributing to their substance use.

6. Phobias: EMDR therapy can be effective in helping individuals process and alleviate phobias, such as fear of flying, heights, or specific animals.

7. Performance Anxiety: EMDR therapy may help individuals, such as athletes or performers, manage performance-related anxiety and improve their confidence.

8. Childhood Trauma: EMDR therapy can be useful in addressing the effects of childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, by reprocessing distressing memories and related beliefs.

9. Grief and Loss: EMDR therapy can assist individuals in processing grief and coping with the emotions related to significant losses.

10. Stress Management: EMDR therapy may help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing stress and improving overall well-being.

It's important to note that EMDR therapy should be administered by a trained and licensed mental health professional. If you are considering EMDR therapy for any of the above conditions, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if it is the right approach for you.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy:

During Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you can expect a structured approach to addressing past traumas or distressing memories. The therapist will guide you through processing these memories while simultaneously focusing on external stimuli, such as hand movements or auditory tones, to stimulate bilateral brain activity. You may experience intense emotions, physical sensations, or vivid memories during the session. The therapist will help you navigate these experiences by providing grounding techniques and ensuring you feel safe throughout the process. EMDR therapy typically involves multiple phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. As you progress through these stages, you may notice a reduction in the emotional distress associated with the target memory and a shift in your beliefs about yourself. It's essential to communicate openly with your therapist about your experiences and any challenges that may arise during EMDR sessions.

Understanding the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

During EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, the process is typically divided into 8 distinct phases. The first phase involves history taking, where the therapist gathers information about the client's background and identifies potential targets for EMDR processing. The second phase focuses on preparing the client for the therapy by teaching coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques to ensure they are emotionally stable. The third phase involves assessing the specific memories or targets to be processed. In phases four to seven, the client undergoes desensitization and reprocessing of the targeted memories using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps. The final phase, phase eight, focuses on evaluating the progress made and ensuring that the client has integrated positive changes. Understanding each of these phases can help clients know what to expect and how EMDR therapy can support their healing journey.

What to expect after EMDR session?

After an EMDR therapy session, it is common to experience a range of emotions and physical sensations as your brain continues to process the material that was targeted during the session. Some individuals may feel emotionally drained or fatigued, while others may feel a sense of relief or lightness. It is not uncommon to have vivid dreams, memories resurfacing, or new insights emerging in the days following a session. It is important to practice self-care during this time and to allow yourself space to reflect on your experience. Integrating the insights gained during the EMDR session into your everyday life is also a key part of the healing process. Remember that everyone responds differently to EMDR therapy, and it is essential to communicate any reactions or concerns with your therapist to support your ongoing healing journey.

The role of EMDR Therapist:

During an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) session, the therapist plays a crucial role in guiding the client through the process of recalling distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on external stimuli like eye movements or tapping. The therapist helps the client stay grounded and navigate any intense emotions or sensations that may arise. This includes providing a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process traumatic experiences. After the EMDR session, the therapist continues to support the client by processing any new insights or emotions that emerged during the session. They may also provide coping strategies and self-care techniques to help the client manage any residual distress between sessions.

Can EMDR Therapy Be Self-Administered?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly specialized therapeutic technique designed to help individuals process and heal from past traumas. While EMDR can be a powerful intervention, it is not recommended to be self-administered. This therapy requires a trained and licensed therapist who can guide the client through the process safely and effectively. The therapist plays a crucial role in creating a safe environment, providing support, and ensuring the proper use of EMDR techniques to achieve optimal results. Attempting to use EMDR techniques without the necessary training and support may not only be ineffective but could also potentially lead to unintended negative consequences. 

Is EMDR a Good Fit for Everyone?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be highly effective for individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other conditions. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. EMDR requires the ability to tolerate distressing emotions and memories that may arise during therapy sessions. Therefore, individuals with certain mental health conditions such as active psychosis or severe dissociative disorders may not be ideal candidates for EMDR. It is crucial for individuals considering EMDR to consult with a qualified therapist to determine if this therapy approach is a good fit for their specific needs and circumstances.

EMDR and Other Types of Trauma Therapy

In addition to EMDR, other types of trauma therapy that are as effective in treating trauma, and offers unique strategies to support individuals in healing from traumatic experiences, tailoring the treatment to suit their specific needs and preferences. Some including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -  is a widely recognized and effective form of treatment for trauma. In CBT, individuals work with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their trauma symptoms. By exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, clients can better understand and disrupt the cycle of trauma-related distress. CBT for trauma often includes techniques such as cognitive restructuring, grounding exercises, and gradual exposure to trauma-related stimuli in a safe and controlled environment. Through CBT, individuals can learn coping skills and strategies to manage their trauma symptoms, ultimately promoting healing and resilience.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - has proven to be an effective treatment approach for individuals struggling with trauma-related symptoms. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT combines elements of cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals regulate emotions, cope with distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. In the context of trauma treatment, DBT focuses on increasing emotional awareness, learning healthy coping strategies, and enhancing overall well-being. Clients can expect to work on developing skills such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. By incorporating DBT into trauma therapy, clients can experience significant improvements in managing symptoms, fostering resilience, and moving towards post-traumatic growth.

• Somatic therapy -  a holistic approach to trauma treatment, focuses on the connection between the mind and body to support healing. This therapeutic modality recognizes that trauma is not only stored in the mind but also in the body, leading to physical symptoms and emotional distress. By incorporating techniques to increase body awareness, such as deep breathing, movement, and grounding exercises, somatic therapy helps individuals process and release trauma on a physiological level. Through the guidance of a trained therapist, clients can learn to regulate their nervous system responses, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of safety within their bodies. Somatic therapy offers a powerful avenue for addressing and resolving trauma, paving the way for holistic healing and recovery.

• Prolonged Exposure (PE) - is a highly effective trauma treatment approach that involves helping individuals confront and process distressing traumatic memories. During PE therapy, clients gradually approach trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that they have been avoiding. By repeatedly revisiting these memories in a safe and controlled environment, individuals can begin to experience a sense of mastery over their traumatic experiences. Through this process, the emotional intensity and distress associated with the memories decrease over time, enabling individuals to regain a sense of safety and control in their lives. While engaging in PE therapy, clients are supported by their therapist to develop coping strategies and skills to manage any overwhelming emotions that may arise. This structured and evidence-based approach to trauma treatment empowers individuals to confront their past traumas in a healthy and healing way.

• Hypnotherapy in Trauma Treatment - Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that can be effective in treating trauma by accessing the subconscious mind to explore and address underlying issues related to the traumatic experience. During a hypnotherapy session, the individual is guided into a state of deep relaxation where they can better access and process painful memories and emotions in a safe space. By tapping into the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help uncover and reframe negative beliefs and thought patterns that may be contributing to the trauma's lasting impact. This approach can empower individuals to heal from their trauma by fostering insight, resilience, and emotional healing. It's important to work with a trained and experienced hypnotherapist to ensure a safe and effective treatment process.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy - is an evidence-based approach that has shown promise in treating trauma. By focusing on mindfulness techniques such as meditation, body scans, and gentle yoga, MBSR helps individuals develop a heightened awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This increased awareness can help trauma survivors regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and process traumatic memories in a safe and structured environment. MBSR therapy empowers individuals to cultivate self-compassion, build resilience, and ultimately rewire their brains to overcome the impacts of trauma.

• Group Therapy for Trauma Treatment - Group therapy for trauma treatment is a powerful and effective intervention that provides individuals with a safe and supportive space to process their experiences. Through sharing their stories with others who have also experienced trauma, individuals can gain validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Group therapy allows participants to learn from one another, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a sense of community. It can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame, while promoting healing and resilience. Facilitated by a trained therapist, group therapy for trauma treatment offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their trauma within a therapeutic context and work towards recovery together.

• Animal-assisted therapy - is a growing modality used in trauma treatment to enhance the therapeutic process. By incorporating specially trained animals, such as dogs or horses, into therapy sessions, individuals can experience increased feelings of safety, trust, and comfort. Interacting with these animals can help clients regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall sense of well-being. The presence of animals can also facilitate the development of important coping skills, such as emotional awareness and self-soothing techniques. Research has shown that animal-assisted therapy can be particularly beneficial for trauma survivors, as it provides a unique avenue for processing and integrating difficult emotions and memories in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) - IFS therapy, also known as Internal Family Systems therapy, is a highly effective trauma treatment approach that focuses on the idea that our minds are made up of different parts, each with its own unique characteristics and role. In IFS therapy, the therapist helps the individual explore and understand these internal parts, working towards harmonizing them to promote healing and growth. By establishing a safe and trusting therapeutic environment, individuals are guided to communicate with and navigate the various parts of themselves, ultimately leading to increased self-awareness, compassion, and integration. Through this process, individuals can release trauma-related burdens, reduce symptoms, and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and wholeness.

Effectiveness of Virtual EMDR

Virtual EMDR, also known as online EMDR therapy, has shown to be an effective alternative to in-person therapy for those seeking treatment for trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other mental health conditions. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that virtual EMDR sessions can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall well-being. While the traditional EMDR therapy involves bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tapping, or sounds, virtual EMDR uses tools like audio tones or visual cues on a screen to simulate the same effects. Clients often report feeling the same level of relief and processing during virtual sessions as they do in face-to-face sessions. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of virtual EMDR make it a valuable option for individuals who may have limitations accessing in-person therapy. 

When considering either in-person or virtual EMDR therapy sessions, there are key aspects to consider. In an in-person setting, clients benefit from face-to-face interactions with the therapist. On the other hand, virtual EMDR therapy offers convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own space. Although there may be challenges related to technology, virtual sessions are still effective in providing the necessary bilateral stimulation for reprocessing traumatic memories via specific softwares such as EMDR Remote. Ultimately, the choice between in-person and virtual EMDR therapy depends on individual preferences and needs.

How to get help?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective trauma treatment method. If you are considering EMDR therapy and want to determine if it is a suitable option for you, reach out to Iwona Florianowicz CCTP-II, LCPC. Iwona specializes in trauma therapy and is extensively trained in EMDR and other impactful trauma treatments. She offers remote EMDR sessions using specialized software to provide bilateral stimulation during virtual therapy sessions. Schedule an appointment with Iwona Florianowicz LCPC today by contacting her via phone call, email, or by filling out the appointment request form.