What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy has made quite the impression over the past few years. From being shown on popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds, to celebrity endorsements and even a British royal vouching for its validity, EMDR therapy as gained significant  popularity. So what is this new trending treatment and could it be a good fit for you? 

First of all, EMDR is the acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, and it is not a new intervention. EMDR therapy was originally designed by a woman named Francine Shapiro, Ph.D in the 1980’s. Since then, it has been extensively researched  and proven to be effective in reducing symptoms connected with trauma and negative life event exposure.  It has even gained the endorsement from groups like the World  Health Organization, American Psychology Association, The US Department of Veterans Affairs  and The National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

So let’s explore a bit more about EMDR therapy.

Why is EMDR therapy different from other forms of therapy? 

Without getting too complex into the nuances of the model, EMDR therapy is designed to work with the way in which the human brain and body stores and experiences trauma and stress. Some key differences for more traditional talk therapy are:

• There is very little home work to be completed between sessions, as the goal is to work hard on processing in the session with your trained therapist and put the content and processing away between sessions. 

• Clients are not required to verbally process every detail of a distressing issue, offering greater levels of privacy. 

• Typically, EMDR therapy processing  is more efficient  than other forms of tradition talk therapy, which is a huge benefit of the model. Some clients have seen resolution to traumatic events  in a little a a few sessions, though everyone’s experience and needs are different. 

• It is a pretty directive, goal oriented model. Clients and EMDR therapists create a treatment plan together and work through that plan with tasks to complete in every session.

Is EMDR therapy just for trauma or can it help with other concerns? 

I often tell my clients, if there is an “Uhg” feeling in the body related to almost anything,  there is the potential for processing and reducing that “Uhg.” EMDR therapy targets distress, which can be applied to numerous different mental health concerns. There is research validating EMDR therapy as an effective intervention with:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

• Depression and bipolar disorders

• Dissociative disorders

• Grief and loss

• Pain

• Performance anxiety

• Personality disorders

• PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues

• Sexual assault

• Sleep disturbance

• Substance abuse and addiction

• Violence and abuse

• Military or first responder related trauma exposure

And more studies are being completed and published every month.

If you are considering EMDR therapy, connecting with a certified EMDR therapist is first step to could be a part of reaching your mental health goals. 

Still wanting more?

Are you interested in EMDR therapy for yourself, child or teen? Are located in the DFW, Dallas, Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie or surrounding Texas Areas? Or are you a Texas resident interested in learning more about how online therapy may be a part of your trauma recovery plan? Learn more about our options for affordable EMDR therapy services both in person and though online counseling? Our Arlington, Tx counseling office is ready to serve you.