EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
By Christina Fenske
EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of psychotherapy that is used to treat traumatic memories, including those related to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The therapy involves recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in some type of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, which is believed to help “process” the memory and reduce the emotional distress associated with it. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has been found to be an effective treatment for PTSD and other conditions that involve traumatic memories.
Recognized As A Science-Based Intervention within Canada
Evidence-Based therapeutic intervention within Canada. Often mistaken for Hypnotherapy by patients which it is not. EMDR therapy is recognized as a legitimate and effective treatment for PTSD and other conditions in Canada. In Canada, EMDR therapy is widely used by psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. It has been endorsed as a treatment by several professional organizations, including the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and the Canadian Association of Social Workers. It also recognized by the Workers’ Compensation Board in some provinces. It is widely accepted across Canada and available in many cities. The EMDR Association of Canada is a professional organization that provides training, resources, and support for EMDR therapists in the country.
Does EMDR Work Effectively for Trauma?
Yes, it works effectively for trauma and is backed by clinical studies that are evidence-based. Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases and may eliminate the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress. EMDR was also found effective by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many other international health and governmental agencies. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment for PTSD and CPTSD.
What Is The Length of An EMDR session?
The length of a single session can vary depending upon the individual. The first few sessions start by first understanding the nature of your trauma and the difficulties that your having because of it. Your clinician will assess whether this form of treatment is appropriate for you and whether you have the internal resources to manage the process. Even though clinicians will provide you with the tools to be successful in this process, not everyone is ready for it depending on the timing in the patient’s life. The clinician will also need to explain what EMDR is and answer all your questions about the process before you begin EMDR treatment. Following this you will need to agree that you are open to starting EMDR. Following this, a typical session can take between 60 – 90 minutes. The more complex unmanageable and challenging events in your life and other determinants may lead to determining the number of EMDR sessions you will need. Some clinicians like myself prefer to use multiple modalities in conjunction with EMDR to ensure the best support and effective treatment of that patient. EMDR may start with talk therapy which is often integrated into the session. EMDR can also be utilized as an adjunctive therapy with an additional therapist or as a primary treatment on it’s own.
What To Expect In An EMDR Session?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative approach that has been broadly scientifically researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. It is a methodical and a set of standardized set of protocols that is comprised of elements from many various treatment approaches. Currently, EMDR has helped millions of individuals of all ages relieve many different types of psychological stressors.
The amount of time the complete treatment will take depends upon the history of the client. Complete treatment of the targets involves a three-pronged protocol (1-past memories, 2-present disturbance, 3-future actions), and is needed to alleviate the symptoms and address the complete clinical picture.
The purpose of EMDR therapy is to allow patients to completely digest the experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones that are needed for full health. “Processing” does not mean just talking about it but that too does have it’s place as well.
“Processing” means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences that are causing problems to be “digested” and stored appropriately in your brain. That means that what is useful to you from an experience will be learned, and stored with appropriate emotions in your brain, and be able to guide you in positive ways in the future. The inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded. Negative emotions, feelings and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences that are pushing you in the wrong directions. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.
What Kinds of Difficulties Can EMDR Treat?
The kinds of difficulties that EMDR can treat is endless so we’ll focus only on a few here. There is scientific research to suggest that EMDR is effective for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). However, many clinicians have found it useful for the following conditions: Panic Disorders, Eating Disorders, Complicated Grief/ Loss, Sexual and/or Physical Abuse, Body Dysmorphic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Disturbing Memories, Stress Reduction; etc.
For more information like this one please take a look at our article on Trauma or PTSD.
If you or someone you know is suffering please contact us at admin@ovcs.ca today, because we can help.
