How Effective is EMDR Therapy for Trauma?
Trauma significantly affects mental and physical well-being, disrupting daily life whether it stems from a single event or prolonged stress. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients heal from trauma, both in-person and virtually.
Types of Trauma
Acute Trauma: Results from a single incident like an accident, natural disaster, or sudden loss.
Chronic Trauma: Arises from repeated, prolonged exposure to stressful events, such as abuse or domestic violence.
Complex Trauma: Involves multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive and interpersonal nature.
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma manifests in various ways, including:
Intrusive Thoughts: Persistent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event.
Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind one of the trauma.
Hyperarousal: Constantly being on edge, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and a heightened startle response.
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition: Feelings of hopelessness, negative self-perception, difficulty maintaining relationships, and loss of interest in activities.
Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and other stress-related ailments.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, taps, or tones, to help the brain properly process traumatic memories.
How EMDR Works
Traumatic memories can get stuck in the brain, causing distress and triggering symptoms. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge. The EMDR process involves eight phases:
History Taking: Gathering information about the client’s history and identifying traumatic events to focus on.
Preparation: Explaining the EMDR process and teaching self-soothing techniques.
Assessment: Identifying specific traumatic memories and rating their distress level.
Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to process the traumatic memory until its emotional charge decreases.
Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs to replace negative ones associated with the trauma.
Body Scan: Checking for any remaining physical tension related to the memory and processing it.
Closure: Ensuring the client feels stable and safe at the end of each session.
Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and addressing any remaining or new distress in subsequent sessions.
The Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy for Trauma
Research shows that EMDR is effective in treating trauma, recognized as an evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Decreasing Symptoms with EMDR
EMDR helps reduce various trauma-related symptoms:
Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks: Desensitizes distressing memories, making them less vivid and intrusive.
Avoidance: Reduces the need to avoid reminders of the trauma.
Hyperarousal: Helps regulate the nervous system, reducing symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and hypervigilance.
Negative Self-Perception: Strengthens positive beliefs, helping clients develop a more balanced and positive self-view.
Physical Symptoms: Alleviates psychosomatic symptoms such as chronic pain and gastrointestinal issues by addressing the root cause of stress.
Using EMDR in My Practice
I use EMDR to help clients process and heal from trauma, offering flexibility with both in-person and virtual sessions.
In-Person EMDR Therapy:
Light Bar: Guides eye movements with a moving light.
Tappers: Handheld devices that alternate vibrations.
Headphones: Deliver alternating audio tones.
Virtual EMDR Therapy:
Uses secure video conferencing platforms.
Facilitates bilateral stimulation through eye movement prompts on the screen or self-administered techniques like tapping and rocking.
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with trauma:
Rapid Results: Often produces faster results compared to traditional talk therapy.
Holistic Healing: Addresses both emotional and physical aspects of trauma.
Versatility: Adaptable to a wide range of trauma-related issues.
Empowerment: Helps clients develop a deeper understanding of their trauma, fostering resilience and self-awareness.
Common Misconceptions About EMDR Therapy
Misconception: EMDR is Hypnosis
Truth: EMDR is not hypnosis. It uses bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories, with clients remaining fully aware and in control.
Misconception: EMDR is Only for PTSD
Truth: EMDR is beneficial for various conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and complex grief.
Misconception: EMDR is a Quick Fix
Truth: EMDR involves a structured process requiring active participation and commitment from the client. The number of sessions needed varies.
Preparing for EMDR Therapy
If considering EMDR therapy, take these steps to prepare:
Find a Qualified Therapist: Ensure your therapist is trained and certified in EMDR therapy.
Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with the eight phases of EMDR therapy.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that support well-being during therapy.
Be Open and Honest: Be prepared to discuss your traumatic experiences and feelings with your therapist.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy is a powerful and effective tool for healing trauma. By reprocessing traumatic memories, EMDR reduces distressing symptoms and fosters holistic healing. Whether administered in-person or virtually, EMDR offers a structured and adaptable approach to trauma therapy, empowering clients to reclaim their lives.
As a mental health therapist, I have witnessed the transformative power of EMDR therapy. If you are struggling with trauma, consider EMDR therapy as a path to healing and reclaiming your life.
Beverly Lutz, LCSW, LISW-CP
Certified EMDR Therapist
