MY EMDR EXPERIENCE: What It Is and Why I Chose It

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EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the traumatic event, but rather focuses on changing the way the memory is stored in the brain 1.

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, when she discovered that moving her eyes back and forth while thinking of a disturbing memory reduced its emotional impact 2. She later developed a theory called the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how EMDR works.

According to the AIP model, traumatic events are not properly processed by the brain when they occur, and they remain stuck in an unprocessed state. This causes the person to experience the trauma as if it is happening again, whenever something triggers the memory. EMDR therapy helps the brain to reprocess the traumatic memory, by stimulating both sides of the brain with eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or sounds). This allows the memory to be integrated with other information and stored in a more adaptive way 1 2.

EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and validated as an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. It is recommended by several international and national organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs 1 2 3.

EMDR therapy has also been used to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, and chronic pain. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and mechanisms of action for these conditions 2 3.

EMDR therapy is generally considered to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment. However, some people may experience some side effects or adverse reactions during or after the sessions. These may include:

• Increased emotional distress or arousal.
• Vivid or disturbing dreams
• Temporary worsening of symptoms
• Physical sensations or discomfort
• Memory changes or confusion
• Fatigue or drowsiness

These side effects are usually mild and transient, and they can be managed by the therapist with appropriate interventions and support. However, some people may be more vulnerable to these effects than others, depending on their history, personality, and current situation. Therefore, EMDR therapy should be conducted by a trained and qualified therapist who can assess the suitability and readiness of each client 1 2 3.

EMDR therapy is not recommended for people who have certain medical or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with their ability to process traumatic memories safely and effectively. These include:

• Severe dissociative disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Unstable bipolar disorder
• Severe cardiovascular problems
• Seizure disorders
• Recent eye surgery or injury

People who have these conditions should consult with their doctor before starting EMDR therapy 1 2 3.

EMDR therapy has many advantages over other forms of trauma treatment. Some of these are:

• It is fast and efficient: EMDR therapy can produce significant results in a relatively short period of time, compared to other therapies that may take months or years to achieve similar outcomes 1 2.
• It is less intrusive: EMDR therapy does not require the client to talk in detail about their traumatic experiences, which can be retraumatizing or overwhelming for some people. Instead, it allows the client to process their memories in a nonverbal way, using their own internal resources 1 2.
• It is holistic: EMDR therapy addresses not only the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma, but also the physiological and behavioral aspects. It helps the client to restore their natural balance and harmony in their mind, body, and spirit 1 2.
• It is empowering: EMDR therapy helps the client to gain a new perspective on their past experiences, and to develop new skills and coping strategies for their present and future challenges. It enhances their sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience 1 2.

EMDR therapy also has some limitations and drawbacks that should be considered before choosing this treatment option. Some of these are:

• It is not a magic bullet: EMDR therapy is not a cure-all for every mental health problem, and it does not work for everyone. Some people may not respond well to this approach, or may need additional or alternative treatments to address their specific needs and goals 1 2 3.
• It is not a one-size-fits-all: EMDR therapy is not a standardized or rigid protocol that can be applied to every client in the same way. It requires individualized assessment, planning, and adaptation by the therapist, based on the client’s characteristics, preferences, and progress 1 2 3.
• It is not a standalone treatment: EMDR therapy is not meant to replace other forms of therapy or support that the client may benefit from, such as medication, psychoeducation, relaxation, or social support. It is best used as part of a comprehensive and integrated treatment plan that addresses the client’s biopsychosocial needs 1 2 3.

EMDR therapy is a novel and effective psychotherapy technique that can help people overcome the negative effects of trauma and other distressing life experiences. It is based on the premise that the brain can heal itself from psychological wounds, with the help of bilateral stimulation and guided reprocessing. EMDR therapy has been proven to be successful in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, and it has also shown promise in treating other mental health conditions. However, EMDR therapy is not without its challenges and risks, and it should be performed by a trained and competent therapist who can tailor the treatment to each client’s needs and goals.

1: EMDR Therapy: What It Is, Procedure & Effectiveness - Cleveland Clinic 

2: EMDR Therapy: How It Works, Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - Psych Central 

3: EMDR Therapy: Effectiveness, Process & More - Healthline