If you’ve heard of EMDR, you may be wondering what it actually treats.
You may have seen it mentioned in connection with trauma or PTSD. You may also have heard people talk about EMDR for anxiety, distressing memories or other difficult experiences.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured form of psychotherapy that was originally developed for trauma-related difficulties and is now used in a range of clinical settings. EMDR International Association describes EMDR as a clinician-led psychotherapy with an established treatment structure. (EMDR International Association)
But EMDR isn’t automatically the right treatment for everyone.
The best way to know whether it may be appropriate is to discuss your symptoms, history, goals and current needs with a qualified mental health professional.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR uses a structured process that includes bilateral stimulation, which may involve guided eye movements, tapping or other forms of alternating stimulation.
The therapy isn’t simply about watching something move from side to side.
EMDR involves multiple phases, including history-taking and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, reprocessing and reevaluation. (EMDR International Association)
Your therapist will first determine whether EMDR is appropriate and help you develop the skills and resources needed before beginning reprocessing work.
What does EMDR therapy treat?
Trauma and distressing experiences
EMDR is widely associated with trauma treatment.
A traumatic experience doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. It can involve an event that happened once, repeated experiences or circumstances that continue to affect how someone feels and responds in the present.
You may notice:
- Intrusive memories
- Strong emotional reactions to reminders
- Avoidance
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Shame or guilt
- Distressing body sensations
- Difficulty feeling safe
- Persistent negative beliefs about yourself
EMDR can be used as part of treatment for trauma-related symptoms when a qualified clinician determines it’s appropriate.
PTSD
EMDR has been studied extensively as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
The American Psychological Association has described EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, and EMDRIA identifies it as a clinician-led psychotherapy for PTSD. (EMDR International Association)
PTSD symptoms can involve intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in mood or thinking and heightened reactions to reminders of a traumatic event.
A therapist can help determine whether EMDR fits your particular symptoms and circumstances.
Anxiety
Some clinicians use EMDR when anxiety is connected to distressing experiences, memories or other factors that may be appropriate targets for reprocessing.
However, not every person with anxiety needs EMDR.
Anxiety can have many causes, and different therapy approaches may be appropriate depending on the individual.
That conversation should happen with a qualified therapist rather than relying on a single treatment label.
Distressing memories
You may not meet the criteria for PTSD and still have memories that continue to affect you.
Maybe a particular experience happened years ago, but thinking about it still brings up intense emotions.
Maybe certain situations trigger a reaction that seems much stronger than what is happening in the moment.
EMDR may be considered when a therapist identifies a distressing experience or memory that is connected to current symptoms.
What happens during an EMDR session?
EMDR is structured.
Your therapist doesn’t simply ask you to revisit a traumatic event without preparation.
EMDRIA describes an eight-phase process that includes history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation. (EMDR International Association)
Preparation is especially important.
Before reprocessing work begins, your therapist may help you develop ways to manage distress and return to a calmer state.
During later phases, you may focus on aspects of a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation guided by your therapist.
You remain in communication with your therapist throughout the process.
Do you have to describe every detail of what happened?
Not necessarily.
One feature of EMDR is that it doesn’t require the same kind of extended, detailed verbal recounting that some people associate with traditional talk therapy.
That doesn’t mean you never discuss the experience.
Your therapist needs enough information to understand what you’re working on and to plan treatment safely.
EMDRIA’s client materials explain that the therapist and client identify relevant images, thoughts, emotions and body sensations as part of the assessment phase. (EMDR International Association)
Can EMDR be done online?
Some therapists provide EMDR through telehealth.
However, online EMDR should still be conducted by an appropriately trained and licensed mental health professional. EMDRIA specifically states that EMDR is a mental health intervention and should be provided by properly trained clinicians. (EMDR International Association)
Whether virtual treatment is appropriate depends on your circumstances, the therapist’s training and the treatment plan.
How do you know if EMDR is right for you?
You don’t need to diagnose yourself before reaching out.
A therapist can consider:
- What brings you to therapy
- Your current symptoms
- Your history
- Previous treatment
- Your goals
- Your ability to manage distress
- Whether EMDR fits your needs
- Whether another approach may be more appropriate
A good treatment plan is individualized.
What should you look for in an EMDR therapist?
Ask about the therapist’s:
- Professional license
- EMDR training
- Experience with your concerns
- Treatment approach
- Telehealth experience, if you’re seeking virtual care
- Availability
- Fees and insurance
You should also pay attention to how comfortable you feel asking questions.
The relationship between you and your therapist matters.
Finding trauma-focused therapy through TES
The Empowering Space provides virtual therapy throughout Texas, Ohio, California and Michigan. Its matching process lets prospective clients identify what they need support with, where they live and their preferred session type. (The Empowering Space, PLLC)
If you’re looking for support with trauma or wondering whether EMDR may be appropriate, you don’t have to know exactly which therapist you need before starting.
