Unlocking Healing and Transformation: An intro to EMDR Therapy

In the world of mental health and therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) stands out as a groundbreaking and transformative approach for addressing trauma and a range of other psychological issues. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since gained widespread recognition as an evidence-based therapeutic technique that offers hope, healing, and empowerment to individuals who have experienced trauma.

But what exactly is EMDR? What is it like? Who does it help?

What is EMDR?

So, what is this mysterious EMDR therapy? To begin with, EMDR is its own specific type of therapy, different from traditional talk therapy, and it is also a powerful tool to help clients process memories and beliefs that they feel stuck in. EMDR is inspired by and borrows from many different therapies you may have heard of already - psychodynamic, cognitive, experiential, somatic, and family systems therapy, to name just a few. The more EMDR you do, the more you can see the interconnection of these methods.

While EMDR has been used predominantly to treat trauma and trauma disorders, it has also been effective with other issues we will explore later. For treatment specifically of trauma, you and your highly skilled EMDR therapist will work on specific negative memories or beliefs, called “targets,” that you would like to integrate more adaptively into your lived story, and your memory. Using an array of different tools during the session, your therapist will guide you through exploring these targets, with the goal of reducing your level of emotional distress the target causes.

Well Roots Counseling is an online therapy practice that provides online therapy for individual therapy, maternal mental health and couples therapy in Colorado, North Carolina, and Vermont. We specifically specialize in therapy for women, anxiety symptoms, infertility, postpartum depression, trauma, and much more.

What is EMDR like?

Clients often report a range of emotions during sessions, from heightened anxiety to moments of insight and relief. It's a unique journey of self-discovery and healing, guided by a trained professional therapist.

Read - The Comprehensive Guide To Therapy for Women

As an EMDR therapist, I can help clients work through targets they feel “stuck” in, using a combination of somatic, cognitive, and emotion-focused processes, all while the client tracks a moving point with their eyes - hence, the Eye Movement of EMDR. But before I ever ask a client to explore a target or any emotional pain with me, I take the time to set them up for therapeutic success. I teach several different techniques to calm the body, the mind, and the emotional world of EMDR clients, and we practice these skills until the client feels confident in their ability to self-soothe.  Once you feel ready to process your pain points, that is when we begin to explore your targets together.

Who can EMDR help?

While EMDR is particularly renowned for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also be applied to a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Depression

• OCD

• Grief and loss

• Phobias

• Stress management

• Complex trauma

• Sleep Problems

• Low Self Esteem

• Postpartum Depression

• Postpartum Anxiety

• Birth Trauma

• Perinatal Loss

If you experience something that isn’t on this list, don’t discount yourself yet - reach out and ask if EMDR could be right for you, too.

Where can I go to get EMDR?

Not only is EMDR wonderfully effective for a wide range of clients, but thanks to advancements in technology, it is now possible to do EMDR therapy from the comfort of your home with Telehealth appointments, making this technique more accessible than ever. With a special computer program that clients only need wifi-access to use, I am able to offer EMDR to clients anywhere in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont.

Demystifying the mysterious EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a transformative approach to healing and personal growth. With its evidence-based methodology and a growing body of research, EMDR has become a beacon of hope for individuals coping with trauma and a wide range of other psychological issues. It offers a path towards recovery, empowerment, and a brighter future. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, or is feeling stuck and overwhelmed, EMDR therapy may be the key to unlocking a brighter, healthier, and more resilient future. At Well Roots Counseling, we are here to support you wherever life may find you. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You’re seen. You’re heard. You’re not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

• What is EMDR therapy, and how does it work?

  EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress associated with them. It involves a structured eight-phase approach that includes bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements, to facilitate the processing of distressing memories. The goal is to help individuals reprocess these memories so that they no longer trigger strong emotional reactions.

• What types of issues or conditions can EMDR therapy treat?

  EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been used successfully to address a wide range of issues. These may include trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, grief, and even performance anxiety. EMDR can be adapted to various mental health concerns where unresolved memories or experiences contribute to emotional distress.

• Is EMDR therapy effective, and how long does it take to see results?

  Research has shown that EMDR therapy can be highly effective for many individuals, particularly those struggling with trauma-related issues. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the individual and the nature of their concerns. Some people may experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while others may require more extensive treatment. Your therapist will work with you to determine the appropriate duration based on your unique needs.

• What should I expect during an EMDR therapy session?

  During an EMDR therapy session, you will typically start by discussing your symptoms and identifying target memories or experiences to work on. Your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation exercises, such as following their fingers with your eyes or using hand-held devices that provide tactile stimulation. While doing this, you will focus on the target memory, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it. The goal is to process these elements and reduce their emotional impact. Sessions usually last about 60-90 minutes, and you may experience various emotions and insights during the process.