EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a highly effective and evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals heal from traumatic experiences and various other mental health conditions. Developed in the late 1980s, it has gained significant recognition and popularity among mental health professionals due to its ability to bring about rapid and lasting positive change.

The Process: EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase approach that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation techniques. The therapist guides the client through recalling traumatic experiences while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or auditory tones. This can be done with special equipment such as the light bar (seen to the left), or simply by following the therapist’s hand movements. This process allows the brain to reprocess distressing memories and create new associations that promote healing and adaptive resolution.

>Anxiety

>Stress

>Panic attacks—flashbacks

>Phobias

>Depression and low mood

> Grief and loss (death of loved one, end of relationships)

>Self-esteem issues

>Sexual dysfunctions

> Performance anxiety—sports, public speaking

>Recurring self-defeating patterns of behavior and negative thinking

>Out-of-control anger

>Tried many therapies but haven’t found a resolution

Evidence-Based Efficacy: Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and more. It has been recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a recommended treatment for trauma-related conditions

Versatile Applications: While EMDR therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions, it has also proven beneficial for a range of other mental health issues. These include panic disorder, phobias, grief, performance anxiety, self-esteem issues, and more. This can be adapted to suit the unique needs and goals of each client, making it a versatile therapy approach.

No Homework: One of the unique features of EMDR therapy is that it typically requires minimal or no homework between sessions, which sets it apart from many other forms of therapy that often involve assignments or activities outside of the therapy session.

Shorter Treatment Duration: Compared to traditional therapy approaches, EMDR therapy can lead to faster, permanent relief from distressing memories and emotions. While the duration of treatment varies depending on the individual's needs and circumstances, it typically requires fewer sessions to achieve meaningful change. This makes it a time-efficient option for those seeking relief from emotional pain and trauma.

Adaptive Information Processing: EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that most psychological disorders are the result of unprocessed traumatic experiences. Utilizing bilateral stimulation during therapy sessions helps activate the brain's natural capacity for processing information and promotes adaptive resolution of distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs.

>Those with certain dissociative disorders (such as DID or Dissociative Amnesia). Parts work or IFS counselling can be more helpful in these cases.

>Those who are prescribed certain medications (such as benzodiazepines) as these can interact with the reprocessing.

>Those who cannot tolerate focusing on distressing memories for a short period of time. The therapist works with every client to build resources and strengths before going into processing distressing material. However, some clients may find this difficult to tolerate even after resourcing and preparation phases.

>Those who feel very disconnected from their body, as EMDR asks you to focus on somatic sensations which are present with target memories (examples: tightness in chest, butterflies in stomach, etc…)

>Active Suicidal Ideation.

To reprocess traumatic memories using EMDR on a basic level, clients should:

>Be present in mind and body to notice what’s happening during the session.

>Be able to feel worse for a short period. Keep in mind that EMDR does not directly cause worsening symptoms, however, asks clients to notice disturbing memories as they are being processed. This can be uncomfortable.

>Be able to tolerate some distress.

>Have adaptive resources for coping during and between sessions. This is explored and strengthened in the preparation and resourcing phases of EMDR treatment alongside your therapist. This might include grounding skills, positive visualizations, and breathing techniques.

>Have at least one person they can count on for support between sessions.

Trauma is an emotional and psychological response to distressing or life-threatening experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope. It can result from various events, including but not limited to accidents, natural disasters, abuse, violence, or the loss of a loved one. Trauma may come from less obvious places, such as after the breakdown of an important relationship, being bullied in our school years, or having parents who went through a messy divorce when we were younger.

There is no way to know how each of us will be impacted by a particular event. Two people may experience the same event, and be impacted very differently. Traumatic experiences can profoundly impact a person's sense of safety, trust, and overall well-being. Symptoms of trauma may manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, or difficulty forming healthy relationships. Counseling provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and heal from their traumatic experiences, empowering them to regain control, restore resilience, and find a path towards recovery and a brighter future.