About EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. In EMDR, clients are guided through a structured psychotherapy process where they are encouraged to bring to mind the traumatic memory while concurrently following cues or movements to enable bilateral stimulation, or stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain.
Unlike other psychotherapies, EMDR doesn’t focus on talking through the content or experiences of the trauma. Instead, EMDR utilizes cues to assist the brain in processing stuck and fragmented memories in order to more fully integrate traumatic experiences by desensitizing distress, unfreezing our survival instincts, and connecting with a more adaptive understanding of the event.
The 8 phases of EMDR:
There are 8 phases to EMDR treatment. The amount of time it takes to work through each phase varies based on individual experience and what shows up during processing.
Phase 1: History taking and treatment planning - Similar to a standard intake session, we begin by discussing your history, symptoms, goals for treatment, and current supports.
Phase 2: Preparation - It is critical to take time to properly prepare for reprocessing before beginning, as EMDR can often feel intense and destabilizing. During this phase, we discuss expectations, practice bilateral stimulation, and spend time developing personalized coping supports to be utilized during processing.
Phase 3: Assessment - A target event is identified for reprocessing. We will identify the beliefs, feelings, and sensations associated with the target event in order to call up the memory for reprocessing.
Phase 4: Desensitization - Once a target is identified, we will begin desensitization using bilateral stimulation. During this phase, new thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or sensations may emerge as you process through the memory.
Phase 5: Installation - As we move through processing, positive or adaptive beliefs related to the event will surface. We will install and strengthen them using bilateral stimulation.
Phase 6: Body Scan - You will be guided through a body scan to help identify any lingering distress related to the memory. If distress is observed, we will continue working through it with bilateral stimulation.
Phase 7: Closure - At the end of each session, regardless of whether processing of the event is complete, we will work together to end processing and return to a state of calm. This may happen through debriefing the session’s processing and utilizing grounding and mindfulness techniques.
Phase 8: Reevaluation - We will start each following session with a check-in about the memory and identification of what to target next.
EMDR is considered a first-line treatment for PTSD based on a robust body of research. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of bilateral stimulation and to explore other treatment areas, although existing research suggests that it may be effective in treating a variety of other issues, such as depression, anxiety, and grief. EMDR may be used as a stand-alone therapy or supplement to other therapies.