Understanding EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Healing

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by past traumas or distressing events, or are you stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break? If so, you are not alone. Many of us carry emotional baggage from past experiences that can affect our present and future well-being. Fortunately, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy offers hope and healing to those struggling with trauma, anxiety, phobias, and more.

So, what exactly is EMDR, and how can it help you? Let's dive in.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapeutic approach developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR was originally developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or painful life events. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in the brain, causing distressing symptoms and negative beliefs about oneself and the world.

During EMDR sessions, trained therapists guide clients through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, such as following hand movements or auditory tones, while recalling distressing memories or experiences. These bilateral stimulations are believed to activate the brain's natural healing processes, allowing the individual to reprocess distressing memories in a safe and controlled environment.

Is there a solid evidence base for EMDR?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD. EMDR is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by several professional organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and is recommended as a first-line treatment for PTSD by the Australian Psychological Association (APS).

Research has typically compared EMDR to the other available evidence-based treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Research has shown that EMDR is just as effective as CBT in the treatment of PTSD. EMDR offers several advantages, it often yields faster results with fewer sessions and less reliance on homework assignments (CBT requires 1 to 2 hours of daily practice, whilst EMDR does not require homework to be completed). Unlike CBT, EMDR directly targets traumatic memories without requiring the person to explain the memory in detail, minimising distress for some people.

While EMDR was initially developed to treat PTSD, its clinical application has broadened over the past 30 years to encompass a range of other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, phobias, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), grief, and chronic pain. According to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR is considered beneficial for addressing any mental health disorder stemming from unresolved past disturbing experiences, provided that the disorder is not primarily physically or chemically based. Although research shows promising results for the efficacy of EMDR beyond PTSD, further empirical studies are necessary to substantiate these findings conclusively. EMDR can be a viable option as an adjunct to other evidence-based therapies, particularly in cases where first-line treatments have proven ineffective.

For an overview of the research, visit https://www.emdr.com/research-overview/#intl

How does EMDR work?

Francine Shapiro developed the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP) to explain how EMDR works. Essentially, when we undergo painful or traumatic experiences, our brains seek to make sense of them by connecting them to our existing knowledge, akin to learning from experience and growing wiser as a result. For instance, imagine you have a major conflict with a friend. You might reflect on it, discuss it with others, and even dream about it. Over time, you gain insight into what happened and why. As you process your feelings and connect the incident to other life lessons, it gradually loses its grip on you. This natural process helps us handle similar situations better in the future.

However, if an experience is exceptionally challenging or if we're unable to properly process it- perhaps because it's too distressing to confront- our brains may struggle to integrate it, like a memory stuck in a loop. This can lead to difficulties like nightmares or feeling overwhelmed when reminded of the event. This is where EMDR therapy comes into play. EMDR acts as a gentle facilitator, helping to unlock the brain's natural healing abilities. Think of it as the psychological equivalent of removing a splinter, so the body can fully heal.

By engaging in bilateral stimulation techniques under the guidance of a trained psychologist, individuals can begin to untangle and reprocess distressing memories in a safe and controlled environment. Through this process, the brain can gradually release the emotional charge associated with past distressing events, as well as experience a shift in how they perceive and react to past events. This leads to a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. Additionally, EMDR can help to strengthen positive beliefs about oneself and enhance overall emotional resilience. For more information, see the video at the bottom of the page.

How long does EMDR Therapy take?

The answer to this question is, “how long is a piece of string”? The duration of EMDR therapy can vary based on several factors. These include the severity and complexity of the distress event/s or trauma, the client's resilience or coping strategies, the strength of the therapeutic relationship, the presence of a support system, any co-occurring conditions, and factors relating to the client (such as readiness for change). Typically, clients can expect around six to twelve sessions, but this may vary widely depending on individual circumstances. The therapist and client work together to tailor the therapy to the client's unique needs and progress, ensuring comprehensive healing and lasting results.

Sessions usually take place weekly, or for some clients twice-weekly sessions are beneficial. In some cases, clients will require extended (70-90 minute) trauma processing sessions, whilst in other cases 50-minutes will be sufficient. It could take one or several sessions to process one traumatic experience. During a trauma processing session, the therapist guides the client through specific EMDR techniques to process traumatic memories and alleviate associated symptoms. The goal of EMDR therapy is to completely process the traumatic experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones needed for greater well-being. Therefore, the duration of therapy and the number of sessions needed are tailored to each individual's unique needs and progress, ensuring comprehensive healing and lasting results.

If you are interested in more detailed information about EMDR, you can learn about the eight stages of EMDR therapy here.

Is EMDR right for you?

While EMDR has shown promising results for many individuals, it's essential to consult with a psychologist or mental health professional to determine if it's the right fit for your needs. A trained EMDR therapist or psychologist can assess your symptoms, develop a personalised treatment plan, and guide you through the process with care and expertise. With the support of a skilled therapist and the power of bilateral stimulation, you can reclaim your life and create a brighter, more hopeful future.

Our EMDR psychologists are here to help

Don't let past wounds define your present or dictate your future. At Inner Wellness Psychology, our experienced psychologists in Kogarah, Sydney, are trained in EMDR, and also offer telehealth sessions. Get in touch and take the first step towards healing today.

More information about EMDR can be found in Francine Shapiro's book:

Shapiro, F (2001) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Second Edition. UK: Guildford Press.

Written by Karina Lazarou, Clinical Psychologist

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition. If you require immediate assistance, call 000, present to your nearest emergency department, or call a mental health crisis number such as Lifeline on 13 11 14