Understanding EMDR Therapy and Its Role in PTSD Recovery

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment backed by fairly recent evidence and came about as a cure for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model. It is said to be quicker, less intrusive, and more effective than other forms of therapy currently available to us. In this article, we’ll take a look at those claims, and see what this therapy entails, along with its role and relevance with PTSD and potentially any other psychological disorders.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, and its first clinical trials were held in 1989. It was created to ease the pain of those suffering from PTSD, and its several clinical trials did indeed show positive results, reducing the symptoms of PTSD. It was able to heal the trauma more effectively, less intrusively, and more quickly in comparison to other methods available at the time and even today.

To put it in a nutshell, when something traumatic happens, the brain holds onto it and convinces itself that this said event is still happening. With EMDR, the therapist guides the patient into thinking about this traumatic experience and requests them to follow the therapist’s hand, which is moving side to side with their eyes. This motion, referred to as bilateral stimulation, helps, so to speak, rewire the brain. It doesn’t always have to be hand movement; sounds are used as well. This makes the trauma feel less and less intense over time by helping the brain process it properly and placing it where it belongs—in the past.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

One of the biggest struggles with traditional therapy is simply getting the patient to discuss the traumatic events that took place. Now, this isn’t an easy feat, for thinking and vocalizing are extremely different. EMDR therapy bypasses this, for the lack of a better word, a flaw in the traditional therapy design and gets rid of the need to discuss the trauma extensively. Instead, this therapy is divided into eight phases, wherein each phase is designed to address different aspects of the trauma recovery process. We won’t go into the entire procedure in depth, but here’s a simplified version:

History-Taking

The therapist gathers all information they can about the patient’s trauma, including symptoms, current and past triggers as well as future goals and expectations from this therapy session.

Preparation

The therapist explains the entire procedure to the patient so they know what to expect. This phase also includes learning coping strategies to manage emotional distress during and after sessions.

Assessment

Specific traumatic memories and themes are identified. This includes negative beliefs formed due to the trauma and positive beliefs the patient would like to adopt. For example, a positive belief might be “I am safe.”

Desensitization

During this phase, the patient recalls the traumatic event while following the therapist’s hand movements, listening to sounds, or feeling taps. This bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the memory. The healthcare provider will observe the patient’s reactions and ask about any new insights or emotions that arise.

Installation

The positive belief identified earlier, such as “I am safe,” is reinforced. However, the patient may also develop new positive beliefs during this phase.

Body Scan

The therapist asks the patient to focus on any physical sensations they experience while recalling the traumatic memory. This step helps gauge whether the therapy is working, as lingering physical tension should gradually decrease.

Closure and Re-evaluation

The session ends with the therapist ensuring the patient feels calm and stable. In follow-up sessions, progress is reviewed, and any remaining issues are addressed.

Advantages of EMDR Therapy

The role of EMDR therapy in PTSD recovery is significant for several reasons, the biggest being its proven effectiveness. In 1998, a study conducted by Carlson found that 77% of combat veterans no longer met the criteria for PTSD after just 12 EMDR sessions.

Furthermore, it has been shown to work much faster than other forms of therapy, with patients reporting positive results sooner while experiencing less overall stress.

Lastly, other forms of therapy often require extensive involvement, such as journaling, detailed homework, and even reliving negative events. In contrast, EMDR therapy only requires patients to note down the memories they wish to bring up in the next session.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, it is also effective for other conditions, including:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain

It isn’t age-restricted either, meaning it is suitable for individuals of all ages, from children to adults. However, it is essential to work only with a trained and licensed EMDR therapist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Conclusion

Despite being a relatively new form of therapy, EMDR has consistently shown positive results—not only for PTSD, the condition it was created to treat but for other mental health issues as well. It is important to note that EMDR is not a universal treatment for all mental health conditions, and more studies need to be conducted to determine its effectiveness for different disorders. However, it has proven to be a valuable tool for processing and overcoming traumatic events from one’s past.

FAQs

Is EMDR backed by any scientific organizations?

Yes, EMDR is endorsed by major health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Will I have to talk about my traumas?

No, EMDR does not require you to talk about your traumas, but you will need to think about them. EMDR focuses on reprocessing memories using bilateral stimulation, requiring less verbal discussion.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes, some therapists offer virtual EMDR using screen-based eye movement tracking or audio stimulation. However, in-person sessions are often recommended for more severe trauma.