I became trained in the late 1990s when Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was new and used primarily with veterans. I was suspicious of the reported success rates but curious. I remember a pivotal moment early in the training; weeks before, I’d unexpectedly lost a beloved pet and feelings of guilt were complicating my grief. I volunteered to go through the process with a trainee as part of a practice group and by the time the session was over, I was a believer in EMDR. It was hard to believe but the intense emotional distress I’d felt when we started was gone! And my guilty thoughts no longer seemed valid. Since then, I’ve witnessed the same results with clients time after time, which is why EMDR is a method I rely on.
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is considered one of the few evidence-based treatments. I received my initial training in EMDR in 1999 and completed advanced training in 2000. Since then, I went on to complete specialized courses using this approach with different types of trauma and clinical issues. My experience in using EMDR has been consistent with the research findings; it works. Obviously, it’s effectiveness has a variable range that’s factor-dependent but overall the people I’ve worked with have reported positive and lasting results. For this reason, (though not appropriate for everyone) I use it frequently and for a variety of issues.
There are more than 14 controlled studies that show EMDR is effective in the treatment of trauma. In fact, EMDR is one of the most heavily researched methods for trauma-related issues. I’ve also had success using EMDR with success with the following treatment conditions:
- Panic attacks
- Disturbing Memories
- Anxiety & Phobias
- Self-Defeating Beliefs
- Performance Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Grief
- Sexual or Physical Abuse
No one knows exactly how EMDR works. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time” and, remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, an feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting effect on the way a person sees the world and relates to other people that interferes with his or her life.
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain functions. After treatment with EMDR, distorted patterns in thoughts, feelings and sensations are no longer experienced the same way and normal information processing is resumed. An event or memory is still remembered but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of a physiological based therapy that helps a person process disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
As far as the course of treatment, one or two sessions are required to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. A typical EMDR session lasts from 50 to 90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. A typical course of treatment is 3 to 10 sessions.
Prior to starting EMDR, we would work together to identify a specific event, thought or problem to be the focus of the treatment session. Once the prep work is complete, you will be asked to call to mind the disturbing thought, issue or event while your eyes follow guided movement. Once your eyes start moving, you will just allow your mind to wander without trying to direct your thoughts.
It is important to understand that there is no way to for you to do the EMDR incorrectly! Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and we can begin to create new associations linked with new positive thought and beliefs; for example, “I did the best I could.” Some people do experience intense emotions during the EMDR process, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance.
You may have read or experienced the various enhanced technology systems available for use with EMDR such as a light bar, lap scan as well as auditory and tactile stimulation. Though I have tried all these in combination and individually, I normally find the original manual processing to be more connecting, comfortable and effective in making adjustments with pacing and tracking eye movement. To read more about the history and process of this method, check out www.emdr.com.