EMDR/Trauma Resolution

What is EMDR?

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy that combines imagery, mindfulness, and cognitive techniques to meet your treatment needs. It has been well-researched and is considered to be an established therapy for the treatment of issues relating to trauma. It has been used successfully in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety, and grief. In addition, some clients have also used it successfully for reaching personal goals in the absence of any psychological issues.

How is EMDR therapy conducted?

EMDR therapy typically involves focusing on a traumatic or disturbing memory while doing back and forth eye movements, listening to alternating tones with headphones, and/or feeling alternating vibrations in your hands. This is called bilateral stimulation and enables your brain to resolve emotional trauma in a way that is often more effective than traditional talk therapy. Your therapist can explain more details about why scientists think this procedure works, but it is not necessary to understand EMDR for it to be helpful to you.

How long does EMDR take?

The number of sessions a given person will need to complete EMDR therapy depends completely on the specifics of that person’s situation. Every client is different with respect to the nature and extent of the issues bringing them to therapy, the amount of outside support available to them (eg, the quality of relationships with friends, family, etc.), and the pace that feels most comfortable to them. All of these factors will affect how long EMDR therapy will take. It is recommended that you spend time initially making sure you feel comfortable with your therapist and making sure your history and goals for treatment are well understood. Generally, EMDR therapy will not start during the first session; how soon the EMDR can begin will depend on the specifics of your situation.

Can I do EMDR without talk therapy?

Not completely. Although EMDR is distinct from talk therapy, the process still requires that your therapist understands your history and your goals. Not every detail of a past trauma needs to be discussed with your therapist, but it is an important part of the process to have some discussion of what you are feeling during EMDR treatment; your therapist will check in with you frequently during the EMDR process. For many people, the most comfortable approach is a mix of EMDR and talk therapy, and the 2 approaches can be combined in a way that works best for you.

Can EMDR make things worse for me?

EMDR is not the best treatment choice for everyone, and your therapist will discuss this with you. However, with additional preparation, such as learning new coping skills, many people can develop the skills that make them better candidates for EMDR over time, even if starting therapy with EMDR is not the right fit.

Sometimes EMDR therapy can be upsetting while you are thinking about painful memories during the reprocessing; this is why feeling comfortable with your therapist is very important. Once you feel like your therapy is a safe environment for you, your therapist can help support you through EMDR, helping you to regulate your emotions and connect to your coping skills before you leave each session. You will always be in charge of the pace your EMDR therapy proceeds, and it is always an option to revert to regular talk therapy at any point, either temporarily or permanently.

Many people find that even though EMDR won’t cause memory loss, often their memories of the traumatic event(s) do not hold the same negative charge that they used to before EMDR, and those memories no longer trigger the same unpleasant feelings or unwanted behaviors and reactions.

Is EMDR covered by insurance?

Depending on your insurance policy, most EMDR treatment programs are covered by health insurance. We can discuss and confirm your coverage before beginning treatment.