What Is EMDR Treatment And Is It Right For Me?
What if you could go back in time and change how you experienced trauma in the past? A modern form of psychotherapy called EMDR is doing just that and clients are finding the results to be incredible. At Healthy Minds NYC, we have therapists trained specifically in this method and below you’ll find a brief primer on the basics of EMDR treatment.
WHAT IS EMDR AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy proven to be effective in relieving the emotional distress associated with many psychological disorders.
EMDR was originally designed in 1987 to treat individuals suffering from PTSD as traumatic memories from the past caused disturbing emotional responses in the present. In recent years, EMDR’s use has expanded to treat a variety of disorders beyond PTSD, such as chronic anxiety, depression and acute trauma.
While many forms of therapy, such as CBT for example, focus on resolving a client’s distress by directly accessing and reformulating the thoughts, actions and emotions that resulted from a traumatic experience, EMDR takes a different approach. In EMDR, we focus directly on the traumatic memory and re-process the experience to store the memory in the brain in a way that reduces the symptoms the client is facing.
AN OVERVIEW OF EMDR SESSIONS
EMDR follows a specific sequence of treatment through eight phases.
Phase 1: History. First, the therapist and client work together to get a full history for the client and identify a particular memory to target.
Phase 2: Preparation. Next the therapist helps prepare the client for treatment by explaining what to expect, how the treatment will progress and supportive methods to help the client remain emotionally and physically safe and calm throughout the process.
Phase 3-6: Processing. Then the client is asked to access the chosen memory on a cognitive, affective, behavioral and physiological level. The client is prompted to think about that memory and hold it in mind while using their eyes to track the therapist’s hands as they are moved back and forth across the client’s field of vision. Alternatively, the therapist may use a small machine to simulate the back and forth movement instead of the hands. As the client experiences this Rapid Eye Movement or REM action, the traumatic memories are re-processed with new positive significance. As this new interpretation is strengthened for the client, the therapist encourages the client to scan their body for any residual physiological distress.
Phase 7: Closure. During the closure phase of treatment, the client may be asked to keep a log throughout the week to monitor their experience. They will also be directed to utilize the new self-calming activities identified earlier in treatment whenever they are triggered.
Phase 8: Evaluation. At the end of the process, the client and therapist evaluate how the client now feels and what effect the treatment has had. It may be determined that additional memories can now be targeted or continued focus on the previous memory may be necessary.
How Long Does EMDR Last?
While a typical EMDR session may last anywhere from 60-90 minutes, the length of treatment varies in relation to the amount of trauma the client has experienced.
What is EMDR and How Does It Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.
How it works:
EMDR is based on the idea that trauma can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process memories.
During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the client to recall traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones).
This dual attention process helps the brain “reprocess” the memory so that it’s no longer psychologically disruptive.
The emotional charge of the memory is reduced, and the person begins to associate the event with more adaptive beliefs.
Why Is There a Controversy With EMDR?
The controversy around EMDR centers on a few key points:
Skepticism About Eye Movements:
Some researchers argue that it’s not the eye movements themselves that create change, but rather the structured exposure and cognitive processing (which is similar to CBT).
Meta-analyses show EMDR is effective, but there's debate over why it's effective.
Rapid Popularity and Bold Claims:
EMDR grew quickly in popularity and was sometimes marketed as a “miracle cure,” which led to criticism from more conservative parts of the psychology community.
Lack of Understanding in Early Years:
When EMDR was first introduced, there was limited rigorous research. This fueled skepticism, though more recent studies have supported its efficacy, particularly for PTSD.
Despite the controversy, EMDR is now endorsed by organizations like:
The American Psychological Association (APA)
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Who Is EMDR Not Appropriate For?
While EMDR can help many people, it's not always suitable for everyone:
Active psychosis or dissociation: People struggling with severe psychosis or who frequently dissociate may not benefit until they’ve stabilized.
Unstable living situations: EMDR can stir up intense emotions, so clients without emotional or environmental support may be at risk.
Complex trauma without preparation: For individuals with extensive trauma histories (like ongoing childhood abuse), more preparation and stabilization are needed before reprocessing.
Medical or neurological issues: Certain medical conditions (e.g., seizure disorders) may require modified approaches or extra caution.
Clients not ready or unwilling: EMDR is client-led. If someone isn’t comfortable with the process or doesn't want to revisit traumatic material, it’s not the right time.
What Are the 8 Steps of EMDR?
EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol:
History Taking:
Therapist gathers a detailed history and identifies target memories.Preparation:
Client is educated on EMDR, and coping/stabilization skills are introduced.Assessment:
The therapist helps identify the specific memory, negative belief, and desired positive belief. Emotional and physical reactions are noted.Desensitization:
The client focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements). The goal is to reduce distress.Installation:
The positive belief is reinforced and strengthened.Body Scan:
The client is guided to check their body for lingering tension or discomfort related to the memory.Closure:
Each session ends with stabilization to ensure the client leaves feeling safe and grounded.Re-evaluation:
At the next session, the therapist checks in on progress and determines whether the target memory has been fully processed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMDR
Do you think EMDR could be helpful for your mental health? Consider booking an introductory session with our team of trained therapists. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more about how this treatment or others could be helpful for you on your journey toward health.
