EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy used to treat PTSD and has also been used to treat many other mental health conditions successfully. EMDR is considered a therapy because it encompasses the three core areas of treating trauma through its 8-phase model. Phase (1) - Taking as complete a client history as possible. Phase (2) - This is called the Preparation phase, where the therapist educates the client on the process of EMDR through psychoeducation, and also teaches skills or resources to clients, so they are better able to manage potentially overwhelming emotions. Phase (3) - Assessing a client’s readiness for processing the experience or memory chosen. This includes assessing for dissociation, as well as the client's ability to use the resources and skills created in Phase 2. Phase (4) - Desensitization is the process where bilateral stimulation (BLS) (eye movements, tapping, or alternating audio tones) is used to aid in relieving symptoms associated with the targeted event. Phase (5) - Installation - Where the client selects how they want to move forward from that event, and what they want to experience now, and then uses the BLS to aid in reinforcing that new experience. Phase (6) Body Scan - is to make sure that the body is not holding onto any tension or tightness regarding the original experience. It uses the BLS to help the body relax or let it go. Phase (7) - Closure includes reviewing the processing session and making sure that the client feels the target has been resolved. Phase (8)- Reevaluation -occurs a week or so later, where the therapist checks in to make sure the client is still experiencing the change. Only individuals who have completed the 50 hours of Basic EMDR training should use EMDR in their practice.

EMDR and Dissociation

When a person has been diagnosed with a Dissociative Disorder, or experiences depersonalization and/or derealization as part of their diagnosis, then it is important to know that prior to starting Phase 4 of EMDR. The EMDR therapist you are working with needs to have completed additional training on top of the Basic training to work with dissociation. Extra time may need to be spent in Phases 2 and 3 of EMDR therapy to enhance preparation prior to processing the event. If an individual is too dissociated, processing will not work, as the person must maintain what is known as dual awareness. They must be able to know and feel they are in the present (in the here and now) while simultaneously thinking about the memory target. Dissociation can block this from happening. Also, if an individual has dissociative identities and they are unaware of that, then EMDR could cause a person to decompensate instead of get better. Modifications to the standard EMDR protocols may need to occur to aid a dissociative individual in successfully being able to work through their target memory. Trying to push yourself through EMDR without being honest with your therapist could potentially delay your healing, along with a worsening of symptoms. Taking the time to learn new skills will greatly improve your outcome.

EMDR Intensives

Over the last several years, EMDR Intensives have become a way to aid individuals in accelerating their therapy progress. The format of intensives can be different, but essentially EMDR is offered for longer sessions, and more frequently than the traditional one time a week over a period of time. This format is offered in residential settings, but can also be offered on an outpatient basis. Some insurance companies will cover residential treatment. Most insurance companies will not cover more than the normal outpatient costs, so individuals usually pay out of pocket for the intensive option. If doing an EMDR intensive is something you are interested in, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss my fee, and schedule.