What is EMDR Therapy, and How Does it Work?

You may have come across the term EMDR when looking for ways to manage trauma or anxiety and wondered what it involves. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is gaining popularity as an effective approach to treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other emotional challenges. 

Whether you're someone who has experienced trauma or you're simply curious about new therapeutic methods, learning how EMDR therapy works can be an empowering step towards healing.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a type of psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It's different from traditional talk therapy because it focuses on helping your brain process disturbing memories in a new way. EMDR therapy can be particularly useful for those dealing with the effects of trauma, but it’s also used for anxiety, phobias, and other emotional disorders.

The definition of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing involves using specific techniques, such as guided eye movements, to help reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories. During sessions, a therapist will ask you to recall a distressing event while directing your eye movements from side to side. This bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory so that it's less painful.

EMDR therapy operates on the principle that traumatic experiences can sometimes be stored in the brain in a way that prevents them from being fully processed. Instead of becoming a normal part of your memory, they remain "stuck," causing emotional distress whenever triggered. This can lead to issues such as anxiety, flashbacks, or PTSD.

During an EMDR therapy session, your therapist will guide you through eight stages that help you identify, process, and reframe traumatic memories. One of the key elements of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping (EFT), or sounds). This helps your brain to reprocess the trauma in a way that feels safer and less distressing. As a result, your emotional response to the memory changes, reducing its negative impact on your daily life.

EMDR therapy is structured into eight phases, each designed to guide you through a comprehensive healing process:

EMDR is most commonly used to treat people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it's also effective for a variety of emotional and psychological issues. People who suffer from anxiety, phobias, and even complex trauma can find relief through this method.

If you’re dealing with intrusive memories, flashbacks, or high levels of anxiety linked to past events, EMDR might help you. The therapy is especially effective for those who have tried other forms of therapy without significant progress.

One common question about eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing is whether you can do it yourself. While self-administered EMDR is not recommended due to the complex nature of the therapy, certain relaxation techniques used in EMDR (such as tapping or breathing exercises) can be helpful in managing stress. However, to fully experience the benefits of EMDR, it's essential to work with a trained therapist.

The length of time it takes for EMDR to work varies depending on each person and the complexity of the trauma. For some people, a few sessions might be enough to see significant changes. Others, especially those dealing with complex trauma or multiple traumatic events, may need longer.

Each session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and on average, clients complete treatment in about 6 to 12 sessions. However, people with deep-seated trauma may require more time.

Like many forms of therapy, EMDR can come with some side effects. Some people report feeling tired or emotionally drained after a session, while others might experience vivid dreams or heightened emotions in the days following therapy. This is a normal part of the healing process, as your brain continues to reprocess memories even after the session ends.

In rare cases, EMDR therapy can bring up difficult memories or emotions, which can be overwhelming. However, your therapist will guide you through coping strategies and ensure that you’re supported throughout the process.

While EMDR has been found to be effective for many people, it's not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as dissociative disorders, severe depression, or those who are currently experiencing psychosis, may not be ideal candidates for EMDR therapy. It's important to undergo a thorough assessment with a qualified therapist to determine if EMDR is the right fit for you.

EMDR is not the same as hypnosis. While both approaches involve a focused state of mind, EMDR therapy keeps you fully conscious and aware throughout the session. You remain in control at all times, and there is no suggestion or influence over your thoughts and actions, as can sometimes occur in hypnosis.

Despite its widespread use, EMDR therapy has faced some controversy over the years. Critics have questioned whether the eye movements themselves are necessary or if the therapy's success is due to the exposure to traumatic memories. 

However, research has consistently shown that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and other emotional disorders, and it is endorsed by leading organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

If you’re interested in exploring EMDR therapy further or perhaps even becoming an EMDR therapist, Centre of Excellence offers a detailed EMDR Therapy Diploma Course. This course will teach you the theory behind EMDR, the eight phases of the process, and how to apply this therapeutic method safely. For a limited time, you can access the course for a discounted price of £29!