What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy widely regarded as the gold standard for treating those suffering from trauma and other stressor-related disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR has been adopted by the Veteran’s Administration and many other organizations worldwide that serve those who have experienced trauma. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that EMDR is highly effective in the treatment of certain symptoms of other persistent mental health challenges such as anxiety, phobias, and grief and can be useful in treating depression, eating disorders, OCD, and substance abuse, among other conditions.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR uses the natural processes of the brain and body to help people who are suffering from the impact of traumatic experiences. Being reminded of traumatic occurrences can cause strong, painful emotions, as can thoughts about childhood experiences and worries about the future. These memories can have a profound effect on mood and interfere with functioning, building new relationships, and learning in an academic or professional setting. EMDR “rewires” the brain so that the most intense emotions associated with these thoughts – fear, sadness, rage, shame, guilt, or anxiety — are markedly reduced. It distances the emotional content from memory, effectively putting the past in the past. EMDR can also be used to prepare for future events, which may elicit feelings of anxiety or fear. Active processing of traumatic memories leads to a sense of freedom to move on, live a fulfilling life, and lessen the urge to banish troubling thoughts, which often leads to self-destructive avoidant behavior such as substance abuse and social isolation.

Why Is EMDR Effective?

Trauma can occur in a single event or multiple occurrences over time and can be caused by an actual or perceived threat to one’s own life or to someone else’s. Even learning about a traumatic event can cause a person to experience trauma. When a traumatic event occurs, the emotions it causes can be very distressing, even terrifying or excruciating. If left unprocessed, this trauma can stay in the brain and body and lead to many difficulties, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is when the body re-experiences the original trauma due to some kind of reminder and reacts appropriately – that is, the brain sends signals to the body that danger is near, and self-protection is crucial. This re-experiencing, or “triggering,” can cause many problems for those who experience trauma reminders, ranging from irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating to violent outbursts, dissociation, panic attacks, and nightmares.

People who have experienced trauma may have developed myriad ways of avoiding reminders, often leading to unhealthy behaviors such as social isolation, substance abuse, and excessive risk-taking, as well as hazardous effects like dissociation and physical aggression. In EMDR, the brain is “rewired,” allowing past traumatic events to be processed and desensitized through bilateral brain stimulation. This is achieved using eye movements, tapping, or other bilateral stimulation techniques, which can be done in person or virtually with equal effectiveness.

What does an EMDR session entail?

At The Midtown Practice, we start by assessing whether you are a good candidate for EMDR to ensure the best outcome. When you meet with your therapist for an initial evaluation, they will discuss your symptoms, history, and previous treatments to determine whether EMDR would be indicated. If EMDR seems appropriate, the first phases of treatment may begin right away.

EMDR is a multi-phase process that begins with thoroughly taking a client’s history and establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist. Once the introduction and preparation phases are complete, you and your therapist will begin creating a list of targets to assess and process. Processing occurs through bilateral brain stimulation, which can be done by using eye movements, sensory stimulation through light, sound, or electronic pulses, or using a simple self-tapping technique. You and your therapist will determine which form of processing will work best for you. EMDR processing can be administered safely and effectively in virtual Telehealth sessions as well as in person in the office.

What Conditions Is EMDR Used to Treat?

EMDR is currently regarded as the gold standard in treatment for those suffering from trauma- and other stressor-related disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. However, EMDR can also be highly effective in managing symptoms of anxiety, phobias, grief, and other persistent mental health challenges.  For some clients with other psychiatric diagnoses and conditions, such as depression, eating disorders, OCD, and substance abuse, EMDR can be an effective supplemental treatment. EMDR can be used safely and effectively with children as well as adults for whom EMDR is an appropriate treatment.