EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a relatively new psychotherapy approach used to treat various mental health disorders. EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD treatment, and traumatic stress studies show that it can also be beneficial for treating other conditions such as emotional distress, major depressive disorder, and traumatic experience. In this blog post, we will discuss how EMDR works, the process involved in EMDR therapy, and the research that supports its Effectiveness.
Are you looking for a way to overcome your PTSD?
EMDR therapy has been proven to be an effective remedy for PTSD. In this blog post, we will discuss how EMDR works, the process of EMDR therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment method.
Therapy Evolved by Cheryl Guerriero is an online resource that provides mental health information and support. If you’re struggling with PTSD, you’re not alone. According to the National Center for PTSD, about eight million American adults suffer from this condition in any given year. And while there are many effective treatments available, some people still struggle to find relief.
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What is PTSD?
Acute Stress Disorder
A solid and unpleasant reaction called acute stress disorder (ASD) can appear weeks after a stressful experience. The average duration of symptoms is one month or less. Posttraumatic stress disorder is thought to be present in persons with symptoms that last longer than one month (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, or other threats to a person’s life.
Multiple trauma victims who go through traumatic experiences have difficulty adjusting and coping. With time and good self-care, most will adapt. Others have negative symptoms with psychological and physical symptoms from their traumatic memories. If you continue to have symptoms for over a few months or other mental health conditions, you might have PTSD.
What is Eye Movement Desensitization therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment developed in the 1980s to help people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The therapy is based on the idea that when we encounter adverse life experiences, our brains cannot process the information correctly. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and other symptoms of past traumatic events. EMDR session helps reprocess these adaptive memories, so they are no longer associated with negative thoughts.
The therapy involves having the patient recall the memory while simultaneously moving their eyes back and forth. This is thought to help the brain to process the information more effectively. Although EMDR appears to be an effective treatment for PTSD, it is essential to note that it is not a cure. Patients will still need to work on processing their memories and dealing with their emotions to recover from PTSD.
How does EDMR treatment help PTSD?
EMDR is a therapy used to treat trauma and anxiety. The therapist uses eye movements, or bilateral Stimulation (BLS), to help the client process and reprocess memories. The theory behind EMDR is that when we experience psychological trauma, our brains cannot healthily process the information. As a result, the memory of the event becomes “frozen” in our minds, and “we may “re-experience the past trauma whenever a similar event triggers us.
EMDR is thought to work by helping to “unfreeze” the memory so it can be processed more naturally. In addition, eye movements are supposed to help reduce the emotional intensity of the memories, making them easier to cope with.
EMDR Treat Practice Guideline
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) released practice guidelines in 2006 that included EMDR as a new treatment method for PTSD. APA indicated that EMDR was as effective as exposure therapy, a CBT that gradually exposes people to their bad experiences in a safe and controlled environment.
The Eight Phase Treatment of EMDR
1. The History and Treatment Planning
The first phase is when the therapist gathers information about the client’s history and current symptoms.
The therapist and client collaborate to define treatment aims after gathering a complete history and performing an appropriate evaluation. Targets might be present triggers, recent memories, or upcoming objectives.
2. The Preparation
The second phase is preparation, during which the therapist will help the client develop coping skills during the treatment.
The therapist explains the course of therapy, walks the client through the steps, and has them practice the eye movement exercises and other BLS components. By guiding the client through the Safe/Calm Place activity, the therapist ensures the client has enough resources for affect control.
3. The Desensitization
The third phase is desensitization, during which the client will visually track the therapist’s hand movements while thinking about their trauma.
The client concentrates on the memory at this stage while making eye motions or using other BLS. The customer then shares any fresh ideas that have surfaced. Each set of BLS has a specific focus, which is decided by the therapist using defined processes. The following collection of brief BLS often focuses on the linked content. This practice is continued until the client reports that the recollection is no longer upsetting.
4. The Installation
The fourth phase is installation, during which the client will imagine themselves in a safe place while thinking about their trauma. It will strengthen the preferred positive cognition.
5. The Body Scan
The fifth phase is the body scan, during which the client will pay attention to any physical sensations they are experiencing in their body.
The clients are instructed to pay attention to their bodily reactions as they recall the incident and the helpful thoughts and to note any lingering somatic suffering. Standardized processes incorporating the BLS are utilized to handle any disturbances the customer complains about.
6. The Closure
The sixth phase is closure, during which the therapist will help the client develop a plan for managing residual symptoms.
The session comes to a close with closure. Specific instructions and procedures are utilized to offer confinement and assure safety until the next session if the targeted memory was not fully processed.
7. The Assessment
The seventh phase is a rehearsal, during which the client will practice using their coping skills in real-life situations.
By recognizing and evaluating each of the memory’s four components—image, cognition, affect, and bodily sensation—EMDR evaluation activates the memory targeted in the session.
Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales are used in EMDR treatment sessions to assess changes in emotion and cognition.
According to the established protocols, both assessments are used once more throughout a treatment:
VOC Scale: The therapist queries, “How true do those words (repeat the positive cognition) feel to you today when you think of the experience, on a scale of 1-7, where one feels utterly false, and seven feels true?”
SUD Scale: The therapist then asks the client, “On a scale of 0–10, where 0 is no disturbance or neutral and 10 is the biggest disturbance you can conceive, how unsettling does it seem right now?” after the client has identified the emotion they are experiencing.
8. The Re-Evaluation
The final phase is termination, during which the therapist will help the client transition to life after treatment.
During the re-evaluation, the therapist assesses the client’s present psychological state, determines if treatment effects have persisted, looks for any memories that may have surfaced since the last session, and collaborates with the client to determine the session’s goals.
How effective is EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy is a psychological therapy used to treat various mental health conditions. The therapy is based on the premise that the brain can heal from trauma, just as the body can recover from a physical injury. EMDR treatment uses various techniques to help the brain process and release the emotions and memories associated with traumatic memories.
EMDR therapists usually start by helping the client identify a particular memory or event causing distress. They will then guide the client through eye movements while thinking about the memory or event. The aim of this is to help the brain to process the memory in a more positive belief. EMDR therapy effectively treats conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
According to the systematic literature review, 85% of people with PTSD do not also have post-traumatic stress disorder. According to a recent Kaiser Permanente study, 80% of people experience a single traumatic incident, and 90% of those experience many traumatic memories. Women exhibit any PTSD symptoms. After one session, the researchers discovered that 77% of combat veterans’ affairs lacked PTSD.
The Benefit of EMDR Therapy
EMDR treatment is a cognitive-behavioral therapy initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatment is based on the idea that particular memories are stored in the brain, incomplete or distorted. These memories can cause problems in daily life, as they may trigger anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions.
EMDR therapy seeks to correct these memories and help the individual process them healthy to impose a positive belief. EMDR therapy is effective in treating trauma.
Here are some benefits of EMDR Sessions:
- It can be done in a single session
- The therapist does not speak to the patient directly while receiving therapy; sometimes, it can be done as online therapy.
- It is a psychotherapy technique that effectively treats targeted memory, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
- Mental health services practice guidelines can be an adaptive resolution to distressing events and treating trauma.
- It is a trauma-focused therapy that can help people process and release a negative belief or memory associated with traumatic memory.
What are the possible side effects of EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new treatment, and more research is needed to understand the possible side effects. However, some people may experience temporary side effects such as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness after sessions with EMDR Therapist. It is also important to note that reprocessing therapy work may not suit everyone. If you have a history of mental illness, it is essential to speak with a mental health professional before starting EMDR therapy.
Common side effects of EMDR:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Depression
- Insomnia
How to find a therapist who offers EMDR therapy
If you are seeking treatment for a traumatic event, you may want to consider EMDR therapy. This therapy is especially effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To find a therapist who offers EMDR therapy, start by conducting an online search. You can also ask your primary care provider for referrals.
Once you have a list of potential providers, narrow your search by looking for those who are licensed and insured. You should also ensure that the therapist you choose has experience treating patients with PTSD. If you have any specific concerns, discuss them with the therapist before scheduling an appointment. By finding the right provider, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care.
People suffer from higher stress, worry, depression, sleeplessness, low motivation, and even increased usage of alcohol, food, and other harmful coping mechanisms during these challenging times of the global epidemic. We can provide you with support, therapies, and assistance in creating better coping mechanisms.
Cheryl Guerriero PLLC is a counseling practice with a focus on:
- Injuries and PTSD
- Women’s Concerns
- Factors connected to the pandemic
- Mood Disorders
- Depression without a history of self-harm or suicide attempts
- Life Transitions and Relationship Problems
- Issues with self-esteem
EMDR Institute Inc.
EMDR Institute, Inc. provides training and consultation for mental health professionals using EMDR therapy. The Institute also offers a wide range of resources for people interested in learning more about EMDR work.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy are still in their new stages. More research is needed to understand the prolonged exposure therapy effects on Physical Symptoms Stemming from and Bilateral Stimulation process. World Health Organization (WHO) states that EMDR is a promising method for treating PTSD. Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) practice bilateral stimulation involving body sensations to check emotional distress.
FAQs
Q: Is EMDR the most effective treatment for PTSD?
A: 30 positive, controlled outcomes studies were carried out as part of this investigation. After just three 90-minute sessions, around 88.5 percent of those with PTSD do not experience posttraumatic stress.
Q: How many sessions of EMDR do you need for PTSD?
A: EMDR treatment is typically given an average of 6 to 12 sessions each week. The length of therapy increases as the memories become less isolating.
Final Thoughts
Although treating PTSD can be challenging, numerous choices are accessible to people who want assistance. It has been demonstrated that the promising therapy EMDR successfully treats PTSD. Discuss setting up an appointment with your mental health professional if you believe this therapy is the appropriate choice.
Cheryl Guerriero PLLC provides treatment; if you want to know more about this process for the foreseeable future, video therapy will be the only method used for all sessions. For an appointment, please get in touch with us at 617-959-1326 (call or text)
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