Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression, and can severely impact a person's ability to function in their daily life. However, there is hope for those who are struggling with PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful treatment option that is highly effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD.

EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. Shapiro discovered that eye movements could help to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts and emotions. She then developed a comprehensive therapeutic approach that includes various forms of bilateral stimulation, including eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take months or even years, many people experience significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy. In fact, research has shown that EMDR therapy can be as effective as traditional talk therapy in just a fraction of the time. EMDR therapy generally has a shorter duration for complete treatment than other psychotherapy techniques. For EMDR treatment, you can expect to receive 8 to 12 sessions lasting 90 minutes over three months. Some will require more if they have more complex issues to work out during therapy. In comparison, others may only need a minimum of eight sessions to work through their trauma fully. Other psychotherapy techniques, such as CBT, can take up to four months of weekly meetups. Cognitive Processing Therapy also takes up to 12 weeks. Prolonged exposure therapy takes up to three months with weekly sessions.

 Indeed, research has demonstrated that EMDR therapy can yield results comparable to traditional talk therapy within a significantly condensed timeframe. Additionally, it is worth noting that a typical course of EMDR treatment usually consists of around 12 sessions tailored to address the individual's specific trauma.

So how does EMDR therapy work?  A Phased Approach

The therapy typically consists of eight phases, which are designed to help a person process and integrate traumatic memories.

1. In the first phase, the therapist works with the person to establish a sense of safety and trust, and to develop an understanding of the person's history and current symptoms. This might appear like traditional talk therapy, where it is important that the therapist understands one’s history and establish a relationship with the person.

2. In the second phase, the therapist helps the person identify the specific traumatic memories that are causing the symptoms of PTSD. This can involve a series of questions or other techniques designed to bring the memory to the forefront of the person's mind. Also, during this phase, the therapist works with the individual to establish safe visualization techniques to practice in and out of EMDR sessions.

3. The third phase of EMDR therapy involves the person focusing on the traumatic memory while the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of the memory. This can involve eye movements, tapping, or sounds, depending on the person's preference and the therapist's approach.

4. In the fourth phase, the therapist helps the person process any negative thoughts or beliefs that are associated with the traumatic memory. The person is then asked to identify a positive belief or emotion that they would like to associate with the traumatic memory, and the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to reinforce this positive belief or emotion.

5. In the fifth phase, the therapist helps the person to identify any physical sensations associated with the traumatic memory. The person is then asked to identify a positive belief or emotion that they would like to associate with the traumatic memory, and the therapist uses bilateral stimulation to reinforce this positive belief or emotion.

6. The sixth phase involves further processing of the traumatic memory and any residual emotions or physical sensations associated with it. The person is asked to rate the intensity of their residual symptoms on a scale from 0-10, and the therapist continues to use bilateral stimulation to help reduce the intensity of these symptoms.

7. In the seventh phase, the person develops a plan for using their new positive belief or emotion in their daily life. The therapist may provide tools or strategies for coping with any residual symptoms that may arise.

8. The final phase of EMDR therapy involves reviewing progress and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The therapist may also help the person to develop a plan for maintaining their progress and preventing relapse.

Overall, EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD that can help relieve the symptoms of the condition in a relatively short amount of time. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, EMDR therapy may be a valuable treatment option to consider.

What is the research?

Research has consistently shown the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis of 26 studies found that EMDR therapy was more effective in reducing PTSD symptoms than traditional talk therapy or other treatments such as medication. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that EMDR therapy was highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in veterans, with 77% of participants showing significant improvement after just six sessions of EMDR therapy.

In addition to the research-backed effectiveness of EMDR therapy, it is important to note that EMDR therapy offers a distinct approach compared to traditional talk therapies. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR therapy does not require the patient to talk in detail about the distressing event or complete homework between sessions. This unique aspect of EMDR therapy can make it a more appealing choice for individuals seeking a rapid resolution of their trauma and PTSD symptoms, as it can often be completed in fewer sessions.

Furthermore, EMDR therapy's ability to address deep-rooted issues of PTSD sets it apart from other treatments that may primarily focus on symptom management. By tailoring treatments to individual patients and minimizing the need for extensive verbalization of trauma, EMDR therapy aims to produce long-lasting results that go beyond just symptom control. This personalized and efficient approach of EMDR therapy underscores its effectiveness in providing sustainable relief for individuals struggling with trauma-related issues

EMDR therapy holds a unique position in the realm of psychotherapy. It’s a breath of fresh air for those who find it challenging to articulate their traumatic experiences, a common requirement in traditional talk therapies. EMDR therapy allows individuals to process these disturbing events without the need for detailed discussion, making it a more comfortable option for many. In contrast to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is another popular treatment for PTSD, EMDR therapy doesn’t solely focus on altering negative thoughts related to the traumatic event. Instead, it aims to alleviate the emotional distress linked to traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. Research has consistently shown the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD. However, it’s crucial to remember that therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of therapy can vary greatly depending on an individual’s specific needs, their comfort with the therapy approach, and the nature of their traumatic experiences.

Overall, EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD that can help relieve the symptoms of the condition in a relatively short amount of time. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, EMDR therapy may be a valuable treatment option to consider. Additionally, EMDR therapy can benefit individuals facing a wide range of challenges beyond PTSD,

• Anxiety,

• Panic attacks,

• Phobias,

• Chronic illness,

• Depression,

• Grief,

• Pain, and

• Trauma-related issues like sexual assault, violence, and abuse.

  
  
  

Insights on EMDR Therapy from mental health professionals specializing in this treatment approach provide valuable perspectives.

Dr. Jane Simmons, a licensed psychologist and EMDR therapist, highlights the transformative nature of EMDR therapy in trauma treatment. Specifically, she emphasizes its unique ability to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories without extensive verbal discussions, especially beneficial for individuals struggling to articulate their experiences. On the other hand, Dr. Michael Patterson, a clinical psychologist and EMDR Europe accredited consultant, underscores how EMDR functions by aiding the brain in processing and resolving entrenched traumatic memories. Through this process, individuals can cultivate a new understanding of past events and alleviate the negative impacts these memories have on their lives. Such insights highlight the significant role EMDR therapy plays in enhancing trauma treatment and fostering psychological healing.

So, you’re interested in EMDR. What’s next?

EMDR therapy should only be conducted by a qualified professional trained in this specific therapeutic method. It is not advisable to attempt EMDR therapy on your own without the guidance and expertise of a trained practitioner. Professional organizations such as EMDRIA strongly discourage self-administered or "do-it-yourself" EMDR therapy. It is crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being by seeking out professional help when considering EMDR therapy.

With the help of a trained EMDR therapist, it is possible to work through traumatic memories and develop new positive beliefs and coping strategies that can significantly improve overall mental health and well-being.

While EMDR therapy is highly effective in treating PTSD, it is important to note that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person's experience of trauma is unique, and their treatment plan should be tailored to their specific needs and goals.

It is important to seek out a trained EMDR therapist who has experience in treating PTSD with this approach. You should also be prepared to share your trauma history and work through some difficult emotions and memories to achieve the best results.

There may be side effects associated with EMDR therapy. Some potential side effects include heightened emotional awareness, temporary increases in distressing dreams or memories, and physical sensations like light-headedness or nausea during or after therapy sessions. It is crucial to discuss any concerns about potential side effects with your therapist before beginning EMDR treatment.

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References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Bisson, J. I., Ehlers, A., Matthews, R., Pilling, S., Richards, D., & Turner, S. (2007). Psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(2), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.106.021402

Carlson, J. G., Chemtob, C. M., Rusnak, K., Hedlund, N. L., & Muraoka, M. Y. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024423410935

Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001

Marcus, S. V., Marquis, P., & Sakai, C. (2009). Controlled study of treatment of PTSD using EMDR in an HMO setting. Psychotherapy Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 46(2), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016082