
A Guide to EMDR and Its Uses
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a type of therapy that allows individuals to process and move forward from any stressful or painful memories. While EMDR is an effective mental health treatment option, it’s still considered relatively new, especially compared to more traditional forms of therapy.
EMDR involves bilateral movement of one’s eyes or tapping while processing traumatic memories. The overall goal of EMDR treatment is to heal from stressful past events or traumas.
This is a guide to EMDR and its uses.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy involves eight different phases.
1. History and Information Gathering
The first part of EMDR therapy is similar to other forms of treatment. A therapist will work with you to gather information about your past, including any history of stressful life events and memories. During the information-gathering phase, you’ll explain the areas that you may want to focus on during therapy and your overall goals for treatment.
2. Preparation
The next phase is the preparation and education phase. This is where you’ll be given more information about your EMDR sessions, so you have a better idea of what to expect. A therapist will also prepare you with tools to help you better manage your emotions and feel more confident, safe, and secure during the upcoming sessions.
3. Assessment
The assessment phase is where you’ll dive into more of the details. This is the phase where you’ll work to identify any memories you want to focus on, the negative memories associated with certain traumas, and the positive beliefs you’d like to instill instead.
4. Desensitization and Reprocessing
During the desensitization and reprocessing phase, your mental health provider will work to activate your memories by helping you identify specific body sensations, feelings, thoughts, or images. During the reprocessing phase, they’ll note how you respond to these memories with the feelings and thoughts you’re experiencing.
5. Installation
After you identify the memory, the installation phase comes into play. During this phase, a therapist will direct your attention toward the positive belief that you want to incorporate to have a better association with past trauma. This could be the positive belief you mentioned during phase three or something completely new you thought of throughout your sessions.
6. Body Scan
The body scan is where you’ll look inward. Your therapist will have you pay attention to the sensations occurring within your body. Be mindful of any symptoms you’re experiencing, especially when you think about the negative past event. This phase is important because it gives your mental health professional a better idea of your progress throughout the sessions. Over time, your symptoms should decrease until they don’t impact you as much or you don’t experience them anymore.
7. Closure
The second to last phase is the closure phase. A therapist will check in with their client about what they can expect in between sessions. You’ll get a better idea of the steps you can take if you experience negative thoughts or feelings outside of your sessions. They may give you homework assignments, like completing journal entries, so you can be prepared for your next session.
8. Reevaluation
The last phase of EMDR is where your therapist will reevaluate the progress you’ve made, if you require additional sessions, or if you want to focus on a different past event. During this phase, you can either choose to continue treatment with more sessions or switch to a different form of therapy.
What EMDR Is Used For
EMDR has been proven highly effective for a wide variety of mental health conditions. These are some of the most common uses:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Substance use
- Trauma
Next Steps
People who complete EMDR therapy have shown quicker results than traditional forms of therapy. It’s also known as a less stressful option, especially when dealing with trauma. Reach out today to learn how EMDR can work for you.
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