What Are the Key Benefits of EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has gained significant traction within the past decade. It is currently considered one of the leading trauma treatments, and many clients praise this model for how well it supports their emotional well-being.
There are numerous benefits of EMDR- it’s evidence-based, structured, and can often provide immediate relief. It can be used as a standalone treatment, but it can also coincide with other therapies. Let’s get into what else you need to know.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapy model intended to reduce or eliminate distressing symptoms. While initially developed for PTSD, many practitioners use it to treat other mental health symptoms.
EMDR consists of eight phases. Your therapist will work with you throughout these phases to effectively process specific target memories. Over time, you will become desensitized to the triggers causing you distress.
While treatment lengths can vary, most individuals participate in about 6-12 sessions either once or twice per week. By the end of therapy, you will likely feel more empowered and less reactive to your specific triggers.
Understanding How EMDR Works
EMDR starts with history-taking and preparation. You and your therapist will collaborate on the specific memories or symptoms causing you distress. Your therapist uses this information to create a treatment plan for your work together.
During the preparation phase, you will learn various coping techniques to manage any emotional turmoil that might emerge. It’s essential to practice these skills to avoid becoming overly aroused during your session (or after the session concludes).
During the assessment phase, you will choose a specific image related to your target memory. Then, your therapist will ask you to pair that image with a specific negative belief. You will also choose a more realistic or positive belief that you’d like to internalize.
The desensitization phase focuses on both the distressing feelings and sensations that may arise during processing. At this point, your therapist will engage in bilateral stimulations (tapping, using eye movements, making specific sounds). Eventually, through ongoing repetition, your distress levels will reduce.
Subsequent phases focus on integrating positive self-beliefs while also assessing ongoing tension or discomfort. EMDR therapists consider your work “complete” when you experience resolution from the traumatic material.
Of course, getting to this point may take time. Even after treatment concludes, you will benefit from using coping techniques and self-soothing exercises to manage triggers when they arise.
Exploring The Main Benefits of EMDR
There are numerous therapy models, and it’s typical for clients to feel overwhelmed when choosing a prospective client. Here is how EMDR stands out from other therapies.
Evidence-Based
EMDR is an evidence-based practice. That means it has been extensively reviewed and evaluated in professional trials. In psychotherapy, evidence-based refers to:
Success rates supported by empirical data.
Ongoing testing and evaluation.
Ability to be replicated among numerous settings.
Continued research illustrating how one model is more effective than standard care.
Time-Limited
EMDR tends to be a brief treatment. More complex issues might require more extensive care, but the treatment is often shorter than other forms of therapy.
This benefit can be undoubtedly advantageous for people with busy schedules. Furthermore, if you have already spent several months or years in another therapy, you probably want to experience faster relief.
Treats Other Mental Health Issues
Although EMDR stands in the spotlight for treating trauma, it can also improve other mental health symptoms. For example, research shows EMDR is just as effective in treating panic attacks and hyperarousal symptoms as CBT. In addition, there are similar success stories with treating the following conditions:
Depression.
Anxiety.
Chronic pain.
Compulsive behavior.
Low self-esteem.
Grief and loss.
Personality disorders.
Trauma often coincides with these other mental health conditions. Therefore, EMDR can provide a more holistic and comprehensive treatment for managing your emotional well-being.
Recommended for Children
Although most recent studies examine how EMDR supports adult mental health, children can certainly benefit from this treatment. In fact, in 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed EMDR and CBT as the recommended trauma treatment models.
Available Online
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, many clients have transitioned to virtual mental health services. With that in mind, it’s important to note that online EMDR is a feasible option.
Online EMDR follows the same format as in-person treatment. Like with any therapy, trust and rapport may take time. It’s common for you to need a few sessions before you feel safe opening up to your therapist.
Final Thoughts
EMDR is one of the best treatments for trauma. Likewise, it can help reduce other unwanted mental health symptoms. It remains a practical approach for clients of all ages.
It is likely that future research will continue illustrating the invaluable benefits of EMDR. At Lakeside Counseling, we are pleased to provide this modality to our clients. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR- and whether it might be a good fit for you- contact us today to schedule your consultation.