Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

What is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidenced based therapeutic approach that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. This is accomplished by asking the client to focus on a specific event. Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, emotion, and body feeling related to this event, and then to a positive belief that would indicate the issue was resolved.

While the client focuses on the upsetting event, the therapist will begin sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. The client will be guided to notice what comes to mind after each set. They may experience shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the event.

How do we know EMDR really works?

More than 30 positive controlled outcome studies have been done on EMDR therapy.  Some of the studies show that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions.  Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions. There has been so much research on EMDR therapy that it is now recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma and other disturbing experiences by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense. -EMDR Institute

How invasive is EMDR?

EMDR is non invasive and does not require the client or therapist use any equipment to be successful.   

Is it necessary to disclose all the details of an experience to my therapist for EMDR to work?

No. Full disclosure of the experience is not necessary in order to process it. 

Will I be in control during EMDR?

Yes. The client is present and in full control of the experience.

How many sessions does it take to see results?

This is dependent upon the client's complexity and goals.