Q: What is EMDR Therapy and how does it work?
A: EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is a type of psychotherapy used to help individuals process and resolve emotional trauma. It was developed in the late 1980's by Psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro.
During an EMDR Therapy session, the client recalls a traumatic event or negative experience while simultaneously undergoing a series of rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process is believed to help the client process the memory and reframe it in a more adaptive way, reducing the distressing symptoms associated with the traumatic event.
The specific mechanisms behind how EMDR works are not fully understood, but it is believed that the bilateral stimulation may help to activate certain parts of the brain, allowing for the processing of the traumatic memory in a less emotionally charged way. Additionally, the therapist and client work together to identify negative thoughts and beliefs associated with the trauma and replace them with more positive, adaptive beliefs.
Q: How long does an EMDR session last, and how many sessions do I need?
The length of an EMDR session can vary depending on the therapist and the individual client's needs, but typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions required for EMDR Therapy can also vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms.
EMDR Therapy typically consists of a series of sessions, with each session building upon the progress made in the previous session. The number of sessions can range from a few as one or two to as many as 20 or more, depending on the individuals needs and the nature of their trauma. Complex trauma or developmental trauma symptoms can take a year to treat.
Q: What kind of issues can EMDR address?
A: EMDR Therapy is form of psychotherapy that can be used to treat a wide range of issues related to trauma and negative life experiences. Here are some examples of issues that EMDR Therapy may be able to address:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Childhood abuse or neglect
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Sexual abuse or assault
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Domestic violence
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Addictions
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Phobias
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Grief and loss
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Performance anxiety
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Worthiness or self-esteem issues
EMDR therapy may also be helpful for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or natural disaster, or those who are struggling with negative self-beliefs or relationship issues related to past experiences.
Q: Is EMDR Therapy safe?
A: Yes, EMDR Therapy is generally considered to be safe when conducted by a qualified and trained EMDR Therapist. The treatment has been extensively researched and has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Q: What can I expect during an EMDR session?
A: During an EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy session, you can expect to work collaboratively with your therapist to address negative experiences or traumatic events that are causing distress. Here is a general outline of what you can expect during an EMDR session.
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History Taking: Your therapist will help you to explore the history of your presenting issues and learn more about you and your story.
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Preparation: Your therapist will discuss your history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to prepare you for the session.
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Assessment: You and your therapist will work together to identify the specific traumatic event or negative experience that you would like to target with EMDR Therapy. You may be asked to provide more details about the event or experience.
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Desensitization: During this phase of the therapy, your therapist will use a form of bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, sounds, or tapping) while you focus on the traumatic memory. The goal of this phase is to help you process the memory in a less emotionally charged way.
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Installation: Your therapist will work to help you replace any negative beliefs or emotions associated with the traumatic memory with positive ones.
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Closure: At the end of the session, your therapist will help you return to a state of calm and relaxation. You may be given self-care techniques to use between sessions.
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Re-evaluation: At the beginning of each subsequent session, your therapist will check in with you to assess your progress and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.
Q: Will I have to talk about traumatic experiences during EMDR Therapy?
A: EMDR Therapy is shown to be effective in treating symptoms related to traumatic experiences. During EMDR Therapy, it is possible that you may have to talk about traumatic experiences, but it is not always necessary.
The therapist will work with you to identify the memories or experiences that are causing distress and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This may involve discussing the details of the traumatic event or memory, but it can also involve other techniques such as visualization or guided imagery.
It's important to remember that the therapist will always work at a pace that is comfortable for you and will provide a safe and supportive environment. If at any time during therapy you feel uncomfortable, you can communicate this to your therapist, and they will work with you to find alternative approaches to help you process your experiences.
Q: How will I know if EMDR Therapy is working for me?
A: It's common to wonder how you'll know if EMDR Therapy is working for you, as everyone's experiences is unique. However, there are several signs that indicate that EMDR Therapy is having a positive effect.
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Reduced distress: One of the primary goals of EMDR Therapy is to reduce distress related to traumatic experiences. If you find that you are experiencing less anxiety, fear, or other negative emotions related to the traumatic experience after undergoing EMDR Therapy, it could be a sign that therapy is working.
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Improved coping skills: Another goal of EMDR Therapy is to help individuals develop coping skills to deal with their trauma-related symptoms. If you find that you are better able to manage your emotions and cope with triggers related to the traumatic experience, it could indicate that the therapy is having a positive impact.
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Change in beliefs: Traumatic experiences can often lead to negative beliefs about oneself or the world. If you find that your beliefs about yourself or the world are shifting to become more positive or accurate, it could be a sign that EMDR Therapy is working.
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Improvements in symptoms: EMDR Therapy can help to alleviate a range of symptoms related to trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. If you find that your symptoms are improving after undergoing EMDR Therapy, it could indicate that the therapy is having a positive effect.
It's important to note that EMDR Therapy is a process, and progress may not always be linear. You may experience setbacks or difficult emotions during therapy, but these are often a normal part of the healing process. Your therapist can help you understand the process and what to expect along the way. Ultimately, you will know that EMDR Therapy is working for you when you start to feel more in control of your emotions and able to live life without being limited by the effects of the traumatic experience.
Q: Can EMDR Therapy be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy or medication?
A: EMDR Therapy can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy or medication. In fact, it is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other forms of therapy, medication, or both. Medication may be used to alleviate symptoms related to trauma, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia. EMDR Therapy can be used in conjunction with medication to help individuals develop coping skills and process traumatic experiences while also managing their symptoms.
Q: How do I find a qualified EMDR Therapist in my area?
A: To find a qualified EMDR Therapist in your area, you can follow these steps:
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Check with your insurance company: If you have health insurance, check with your insurance company to see if they cover EMDR Therapy and if they have a directory of therapists who can provide this service.
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Use online directories: There are several online directories that allow you to search for therapists by location and specialty, including Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and EMDRIA.
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Ask for referrals: Ask your primary care physician or mental health provider for a referral to a therapist who specializes in EMDR Therapy.
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Check with professional associations: You can check with professional associations such as the EMDR International Association, The American Psychological Association, or the National Association of Social Workers to find therapists who are trained in EMDR Therapy.
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Read therapists profiles: Once you have a list of potential therapists, read their profiles and websites to learn more about their qualifications, experience, and approach to therapy.
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Contact potential therapists: Contact potential therapists to schedule a consultation or to ask any questions you may have about their services and approach to therapy.
It's important to find a therapist who is trained and experienced in EMDR Therapy and who you feel comfortable working with. Take the time to research potential therapists and ask questions to find the best fit for your needs.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: We are an out of network provider. We do accept HSA and FSA. We provide a once-a-month superbill that clients can submit to insurance for reimbursement.
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