EMDR Need to Know

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation (BLS) usually in the form of eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones in order to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and heal a troubling memory, thought, feeling, or phobia. BLS stimulates the same eye movements which occur during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or dream sleep. BLS causes two parts of the brain to work in conjunction in order to reintegrate a memory. Some clients can experience relief or positive effects in just a few sessions and others need more sessions. 

EMDR is effective in treating trauma-related symptoms, whether the traumatic event occurred many years ago or yesterday. Over 30 years of research has demonstrated that EMDR is effective for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief, and chronic pain. 

• Possible Benefits of EMDR Treatment

  1. The memory or event is remembered, but the painful emotions and physical sensations, disturbing images and thoughts are no longer present. Therapy participants often report feeling that the memory is more distant, less colorful, or quieter.

  2. EMDR helps the brain reintegrate the memory or event and store it in a more appropriate place in the brain. The client’s own brain reintegrates the memory or event and does the healing. Memories are moved into long-term storage and are not triggered as often.

  3. Reduced symptoms of anxiety, panic, fear, phobia, or grief.  Increased experiences of alignment, authenticity, and hope.

• Possible Risks of EMDR Treatment

  1. Reprocessing a memory or event may bring up associated distressing memories. This is normal and those memories will also be reprocessed. 

  2. During the EMDR process, you may experience distressing or intense physical sensations and retrieve images, emotions, and sounds associated with the memory or event. 

  3. Reprocessing of the memory or event normally continues after the end of the formal therapy session. Other memories, flashbacks, feelings, and sensations may occur. You may have dreams associated with the memory. Frequently, the brain is able to process these additional memories without help, but arrangements for assistance will be made in a timely manner if the client needs further support. 

As with any other therapeutic approach, reprocessing traumatic memories can be uncomfortable. Some people won’t like it or won’t be able to tolerate EMDR treatment well. Others may need more preparation with the therapist before processing traumatic events using EMDR. 

There is no known adverse effect for interrupting EMDR therapy; therefore, you can discontinue treatment at any time. Alternative therapeutic approaches may include individual or group therapy, medication, or a different psychotherapy modality on an individual basis. 

When participating in EMDR Treatment, you must:

1. Be able to cope with high levels of emotional disturbance, have the ability to reprocess associated memories resulting from EMDR therapy, and be able to use self-initiated relaxation techniques, such as safe/calm place and container. Your therapist will train you in regulation techniques during the early stages of EMDR before beginning BLS.

2. Disclose to your therapist and consult with your physician before EMDR therapy if you have a history of current eye problems, a diagnosed heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or are at risk for or have a history of stroke, heart attack, seizure or other limiting medical conditions that may put you at medical risk. Pregnant women should consult with their physician. Due to the stress related to reprocessing some traumatic events, postponing may be appropriate in some cases. 

3. Communicate with your therapist about needs and preferences regarding sensory input for BLS. Butterfly hugs (or cross-body shoulder tapping) and marching in place are typically used for virtual clients. In the case of eye movements, inform your therapist if you wear contact lenses and remove them if they impede eye movements due to irritation or eye dryness. BLS will be discontinued if you report eye pain and other forms of stimulation can be substituted, if appropriate. Research studies support use of different types of BLS. The priority is to find a BLS that is not distracting or uncomfortable for the therapy participant.

4. Before participating in EMDR, discuss with your therapist all aspects of an upcoming legal court case where testimony is required. You may need to postpone EMDR treatment if you are the victim or witness to a crime that is being prosecuted because the traumatic material processed using EMDR may fade, blur, or disappear and your testimony may be challenged. 

5. Consult with your medical doctor before utilizing medication. Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of EMDR, for example, benzodiazepines may reduce effectiveness possibly due to state-dependent processing and/or regression may occur after ceasing antidepressants. In addition to prescribed medication, therapy participants are required to maintain sobriety from other substances for at least the 12 hours before and after EMDR sessions for best results.

6. Discuss with your therapist any dissociative disorders with little treatment progress. EMDR may trigger these symptoms, but may also be helpful in attempting to resolve them. Therapy participants may be required to complete questionnaires to assess for dissociative symptoms, including the DES-II (Dissociative Experiences Scale) or MID (Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation).