Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
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You’re looking for a new therapist when you come across the term “EMDR.” What is this, and could it benefit you? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a treatment used to help those struggling with trauma. In this article, we’ll break down everything there is to know about this unique therapy approach, from what it entails to the possible side effects and benefits.
Things You Should Know
- EMDR is a form of therapy that uses rhythmic patterns and eye movement to treat anyone dealing with trauma.
- While EMDR isn’t considered dangerous, it does come with potential side effects, such as fatigue, vivid dreams, and discomfort.
- For many patients, EMDR’s pros outweigh the cons, as many are able to reprocess their trauma and find peace within 8 to 12 weeks.
Steps
Starting EMDR Therapy
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Find a qualified therapist. Therapists trained in EMDR therapy should be endorsed by EMDRIA, the leading organizing body for EMDR. If a therapist is not recognized, they may not be qualified to give this specific treatment. Check a therapist’s credentials with a quick online search before making an appointment.[18]- To find a therapist’s qualifications, search their name in the EMDRIA directory or with “qualifications,” “certifications,” or “credentials” online.
- Most therapists will list their certifications on their website in an “About Me” section.
Ask your therapist if EMDR is right for you. While EMDR can help many mental health conditions, it may not be best for everyone. If you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, or have eye problems, consult a doctor before starting EMDR treatment to make sure the sessions will be safe for you to complete.[19]- If you’re questioning whether or not you’re a good candidate for EMDR, talk to your therapist. Be open and honest with them, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Use coping skills before and after sessions. Reliving and reprocessing traumatic events is anything but easy, and your therapist will most likely teach you a few coping skills to help you through the process. Practice these on your own time before and after EMDR sessions to ground yourself.[20]- Try 4-7-8 box breathing. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8.[21]
- Focus on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
Ask questions about your treatment. Don’t ever be afraid to ask your therapist questions. If you’re curious about what phase of EMDR you’re currently in or wonder what a memory might mean, speak up. The more you understand the treatment process and your trauma, the more you’ll get out of a session.[22]
Plan your day around a session. EMDR is an intense therapeutic process, and your session may drain you emotionally and physically. Prepare for an EMDR session by scheduling your therapy appointment after work (if you're able), or schedule something fun or relaxing afterward to recharge your batteries.[23]
Expert Q&A
Tips
- While it isn’t recommended to do EMDR on yourself without the guidance of a therapist, EMDR therapists have recently discovered a way to do sessions virtually to assist people all over the world.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6106867/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/therapy-medication/emdr-therapy.htm
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/emdr-therapy#are-there-risks
- ↑ https://www.stress.org/adverse-effects-of-trauma-focused-therapies-3
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
- ↑ https://www.stress.org/adverse-effects-of-trauma-focused-therapies-3
- ↑ https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/hypnosis
- ↑ https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/eye-movement-desensitization-and-reprocessing-therapy
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/202212/does-emdr-cause-false-memories
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6106867/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/therapy-medication/emdr-therapy.htm
- ↑ https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/experiencing-emdr-therapy/
- ↑ https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/therapy-medication/emdr-therapy.htm
- ↑ https://www.emdrsanfrancisco.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-emdr-session
- ↑ https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/bc1/offices/StudentAffairs/Womens-Center/PDF/heal-handout.pdf
- ↑ https://www.emdrsanfrancisco.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-emdr-session
- ↑ https://www.emdrsanfrancisco.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-emdr-session
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