Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a relatively new treatment that is effective in helping people process traumatic memories. If you are considering seeking EMDR therapy for yourself or a loved one, it can be helpful to understand what happens in a session.
Considering EMDR therapy? Wondering what happens in a session?
When considering EMDR therapy, it’s essential to understand what goes on in a session. This post provides a good overview of whether this therapy is right for you.
This article will give you a glimpse into the process. During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulations. This may involve tapping your knees, moving your eyes back and forth, or listening to tones. The goal is to help you access traumatic memories and healthily reprocess them.
What is EMDR, and how does it work?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy used to treat trauma and other psychological issues. The therapy is based on the principle that our brains can process and heal from traumatic experiences if given the proper tools and guidance. During EMDR sessions, the therapist will guide the client through a series of eye movements while they recall the traumatic event.
The therapist will also provide other forms of stimulation, such as tactile or auditory, to help the client process the experience. The goal of EMDR is to help the client reprocess the event in a less distressing and manageable way. EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It also treats other issues, such as performance anxiety and phobias.
Emotional Symptoms of trauma:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Performance anxiety
- Phobias
- Poor self-esteem
- Sleep disruption
- Compassion fatigue
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these symptoms, EMDR may be a good option for treatment.
What to expect during a session
A typical therapy session lasts 50 minutes. You will usually be seated or reclining comfortably, and your therapist will likely sit in a chair next to you or across from you. At the beginning of the session, your therapist will likely ask you how you have been doing since your last session or will ask you about post traumatic stress disorder. The therapist will then help guide the conversation based on your goals for therapy and what you would like to work on. You may talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to your problem or goal.
Your therapist will also provide feedback and perspective on what you share. The therapist may ask you to try out new coping strategies or ways of thinking about your problem. Finally, at the end of the session, your therapist will likely summarize what was discussed and give you some homework to work on before your next meeting. Sessions are typically weekly or biweekly, but this may vary depending on your needs.
How long will the sessions last, and how often do I need to come for treatment?
The length of each session will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. However, EMDR therapy session last between 30 and 60 minutes. The number of sessions needed will also depend on the patient’s situation. Generally, patients come in for treatment 2-3 times per week for 6-8 weeks. After that, patients usually come in for maintenance sessions once a week or every other week. Maintenance sessions can be continued indefinitely to help prevent the return of symptoms.
Why choose us to be EMDR Therapy?
Cherryl Guerriero is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. She has experience working with various populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is also trained in EMDR therapy and has used this treatment modality for over 15 years.
All sessions are currently, and for the foreseeable future, being held via video therapy only. To make an appointment, please contact us via 617-959-1326 (call or text)
Are there any risks associated with EMDR therapy?
- The therapist may inadvertently trigger a traumatic memory or emotional distress, which can be overwhelming and cause distress. To reduce this risk, the therapist will work with the client to establish a safe place or memory that can be used as a point of grounding during the EMDR session.
- Some clients may experience increased anxiety or mental health disorders because of traumatic events during or after EMDR treatment. However, these symptoms usually lessen over time with proper support from the therapist.
- In rare cases, clients may develop a negative association with the therapy, which can impede their treatment progress. Overall, an EMDR session is considered a safe and effective treatment for PTSD when conducted by a trained and experienced therapist.
What should I bring to my first session with the therapist?
Including a list of specific goals or topics, you would like to address in therapy is helpful. This will give your therapist a better understanding of what you hope to achieve through therapy and allow them to tailor their approach to best meet your needs. You may also want to bring any relevant medical records, such as psychiatric evaluations or medication history.
This information can be crucial in understanding your unique situation and developing an effective treatment plan. It is also helpful to bring along any questions about therapy or the therapist’s approach.
Questions to ask for the EMDR session:
1. What are your qualifications as an EMDR therapist?
2. Have you had experience treating my specific issue or disorder/symptom(s)?
3. What is your treatment approach for EMDR therapy sessions?
4. How long will each session last, and how often will we meet/talk (or work) together?
5. Do you have any fees associated with our sessions or offer a sliding scale fee structure based on income and other factors?
6. Will you provide me with a receipt for services rendered at the end of each month?
What to expect during and after your EMDR session
During EMDR sessions, you will be asked to focus on a specific memory or physical sensations event while the therapist guides you through different eye movements or other bilateral stimulation exercises. You may also be asked to hold certain emotions or sensations in your mind while focusing on the memory. These activities are designed to help reduce the harmful effects of trauma and promote healing.
After the session, you may feel tired or emotional. These psychological exercises involve your therapist asking for you to recall and visualize the distressing memories while they guide you through an internalization exercise, typically a simple eye movement exercise.
How to find an EMDR therapist?
- When searching for an EMDR therapist, it is important to find someone experienced and qualified in the treatment modality.
- The therapist should also be licensed to practice in your state and have experience treating your specific issue or disorder/symptom(s).
- It is also helpful to find a therapist who offers a sliding scale fee structure based on income and other factors.
- You may want to ask the therapist for a list of references from previous clients.
FAQs about EMDR
Q. What types of disorders/symptoms can be treated with EMDR?
A. EMDR is most commonly used to treat PTSD, but it can also be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
Q. Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
A. Some insurance companies cover EMDR therapy, but it is best to check with your insurer to determine if they provide coverage.
Q. I’m not sure if I’m ready to talk about my trauma/issue. Is EMDR still suitable for me?
A. You can still benefit from EMDR therapy even if you are not ready to discuss your trauma/issue. The therapist can help you to focus on other memories or events that are not as distressing.
In Conclusion
EMDR is a powerful therapy form that can help people process their thoughts and feelings. What happens in an EMDR session may seem strange initially, but it’s an effective process in helping people heal from trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or another emotional issue, EMDR may be the right choice for you.
We hope this article has helped to answer some of your questions.
Please contact us if you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment. We are here to help!
