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Have you experienced a difficult event or have PTSD? Then you
may benefit from EMDR. Here we explain what EMDR is and
how it can help.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method mainly for treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it can also be helpful for other psychological concerns and disorders such as depression, anxiety and loss.
Although EMDR is one option for PTSD, there are evidence-based treatment options that are more often recommended, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
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What is the basis of EMDR?
EMDR claims to focus on the ways in which the brain stores traumatic memories. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and systems theory. Another specific feature of EMDR is the use of lateral eye movements, known as bilateral stimulation. The idea is these eye movements can help decrease negative emotions associated with certain memories to help process them better.
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How does the treatment work?
EMDR treatment adapts to the individual and always starts with an assessment of the problem. The length of a treatment depends on the client’s needs. This can be anything from a few sessions to a treatment lasting a few months. In the case of a single traumatic event treatment can be quick. However, in the case of more complex trauma, the therapy will be longer. A typical EMDR session may include the following steps:
- Background and planning: The therapist gets an idea of the client’s trauma history. They help identify specific memories or events that need processing.
- Preparation for processing: The therapist and client work together to develop coping strategies and resources to deal with emotions and memories that may arise during treatment.
- Processing memories: The client focuses on a specific traumatic memory while following the therapist’s movement cues, usually eye movements. The client then observes their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations while going through the memory.
- Meaning and connection: The therapist helps the client to explore and understand the changes and associations that occur during the processing of the memory. Processing aims to create an understanding and integration of the traumatic memory.
- Closure: The session ends with the client relaxing and discussing their experiences during the session.
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45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
EMDR therapy online
Although you might think that working with EMDR online is not possible because it involves eye movement, there is research to show that online EMDR can be as effective as in-person.
12 common questions and answers about EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method that focuses on treating people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be helpful for other psychological problems.
What is the basis of EMDR?
It is based on a theory of how memory works and how it is affected by difficult events. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and systems theory.
How does EMDR treatment work?
An EMDR treatment always begins with an assessment and preparation for the processing phase. During processing, a specific method of eye movement is used, followed by integration and relaxation.
What is specific about EMDR?
What differentiates EMDR from other therapies is the use of “bilateral stimulation,” which is done via eye movements.
How long is an EMDR treatment?
It is adapted to the client’s needs and can last from a few sessions to a few months. In the case of isolated traumas, the treatment can be quick, but in the case of more complex problems, it will be longer.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from EMDR, but it can also help with depression, anxiety and loss.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is a condition that can develop after experiencing trauma.
What are the most common symptoms of PTSD?
The most common symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance behaviour, increased vigilance, and negative changes in emotions and thoughts. These symptoms can be long-lasting and affect everyday life.
What research support is there for the method?
EMDR remains controversial in the psychiatric community, but there is research to suggest that EMDR can reduce PTSD and depressive symptoms.
Can children be treated with EMDR?
At present, there is not a large amount of research on the effects of EMDR in children, however a 2018 review found that EMDR did reduce symptoms of trauma in children. It is important to note, however, that in this same study, trauma-focused CBT was shown to have marginally better effects.
What are the benefits of EMDR?
The advantages of the method are that it is relatively gentle on the client and it requires no exposure and homework that you usually get in trauma-focused CBT. Although it can be intense and emotionally upsetting, there are many safety checks during the treatment itself.
Where can I go if I want to undergo EMDR?
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and is suffering from symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek professional help. You can book an appointment with a psychologist or therapist via our website. We make the difficult easier.
