EMDR FAQ

Question: What is EMDR therapy?

Answer: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy technique designed to help people heal from emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. It uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their impact and allowing individuals to heal.

Question: How does EMDR work?

Answer: EMDR therapy works by having a therapist guide the client through a series of lateral eye movements, sounds, taps, or movements while the client recalls a traumatic event. This process is thought to mimic the psychological state of REM sleep, which helps the brain process and integrate the memory and associated emotions effectively.

Question: What types of issues can EMDR treat?

Answer: EMDR is primarily used to treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma-related issues. However, it has also been found effective in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, eating disorders, and more.

Question: Is EMDR therapy safe?

Answer: Yes, EMDR is considered a safe therapy with relatively few side effects. However, as with any therapeutic approach, it can bring up intense emotions and vivid images, so it should be conducted by a trained, certified professional.

Question: Who can perform EMDR therapy?

Answer: EMDR should be performed by a licensed mental health professional who has received specific training in EMDR techniques. This includes psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

Question: What is a typical EMDR therapy session like?

Answer: EMDR sessions consists of eight phases, starting with history taking, preparation, and assessment, followed by desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each phase has its specific purpose and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the therapy.

Question: How quickly can someone see results with EMDR?

Answer: Some people may begin to see results from EMDR therapy after just a few sessions, especially if the issues are related to a single traumatic event. More complex trauma may require a longer treatment period to see significant improvements.

Question: Does EMDR cure PTSD or other disorders completely?

Answer: While EMDR can significantly alleviate the symptoms of PTSD and other disorders, it may not be a cure for everyone. Individual results vary, and some people might need ongoing therapy or other interventions to manage their condition fully.