How does EMDR therapy work?

EMDR involves focusing on troubling memories while engaging in bilateral sensory stimulation, such as eye movements or taps. This dual focus aims to facilitate adaptive processing of the memory and reduce its emotional intensity, enhancing neural integration of the experience.

What conditions can EMDR therapy help treat?

EMDR is evidence-based for post-traumatic stress disorder and is also used for anxiety, depression, and stress-linked symptoms. Some clinicians incorporate EMDR into treatment for substance use disorders and cravings when trauma underlies addictive behaviors.

What should someone expect during an EMDR session?

A typical session lasts about 60–90 minutes. The therapist helps the client identify a targeted memory, then guides them through bilateral stimulation while the client holds the memory in mind, with periodic assessment of distress levels. Multiple sessions are usually needed for symptom change.

EMDR Therapy: How it Works & Benefits

Q: What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation, often guided eye movements, to help individuals reprocess distressing memories so they provoke less emotional and physiological disruption. It was originally developed for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD.

Table of Contents

Traumatic events can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental and physical well-being. The symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can last for months or years. They can disrupt daily functioning and affect a person’s quality of life.

There are many therapies that can help people process trauma in new ways. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a non-invasive and effective form of trauma therapy.

This article will explore EMDR. You will learn:

What EMDR is
The goals of EMDR
The effectiveness of EMDR therapy
The potential benefits of EMDR
Who may benefit from EMDR
Where to find EMDR therapy in California

If you or someone you love struggles with the effects of trauma, you are not alone. Find the effective treatments and support you need at THC Recovery. Contact our specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

What is EMDR Therapy?

People may experience trauma after a frightening or life-threatening event. Examples of traumatic experiences include:

Living in a war zone
A serious accident or injury
A significant medical diagnosis
Combat or military service
Experiencing community violence
Being the victim of a physical or sexual assault
The death of a loved one

People may also have complex trauma after experiencing long-term abuse or neglect as children or other ongoing stressful situations.

The effects of trauma can cause disruptive symptoms, including:

Sleep problems
Anxiety
Feeling overly alert or “on guard”
Relationship problems
Anger or irritability
Negative thoughts
Depression
Hopelessness

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health therapy used to reduce the impact of traumatic memories. It is a non-invasive way to address trauma.

During treatment sessions, a trained EMDR therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements as they remember or talk about a traumatic event. This therapy may help the person’s brain remember or store traumatic memories differently. After treatment, people may experience fewer disruptive trauma symptoms.

Generally, people participate in eight treatment sessions spaced out over several weeks. People may engage in this type of therapy individually or as part of a mental health treatment plan.

Is EMDR Effective?

A psychologist named Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1989 based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Dr. Shapiro recognized that the brain stores traumatic memories differently than other memories. She used this information to create an effective treatment for those experiencing trauma.

Since 1989, over 100,000 people have participated in this evidence-based therapy. So, what does the research say about its effectiveness?

Several research studies have proven eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to be safe and effective. In many cases, EMDR may produce results faster than other forms of treatment.

What are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

The ultimate goal of EMDR therapy is to help people’s brains process and store traumatic memories differently. Practitioners and clients may like many aspects of EMDR. Here is an overview of some of the benefits of this type of therapy.

Reduces PTSD symptoms

Studies have shown that EMDR can reduce symptoms of PTSD and trauma. People may experience the benefits of EMDR in just a few sessions. This form of therapy does not require people to talk about their trauma, which may be helpful for those who find it challenging to do so.

Time-limited treatment

Instead of engaging in talk therapy for months or years, people engage in a set number of sessions over the course of several weeks. In most cases, people complete EMDR therapy in eight sessions or fewer.

Cost-effective

Shorter treatment times can lead to lower overall therapy costs. In many cases, EMDR can cost significantly less than other long-term therapies.

Insurance coverage

Insurance companies may cover evidence-based mental health therapies, including EMDR. Insurance plans may cover individual therapy sessions, mental health treatment programs, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs that utilize EMDR.

No side effects

EMDR does not require medications and does not cause unwanted side effects. While some participants report feeling tired after sessions, most people do not experience effects that impact their daily functioning.

EMDR is a non-invasive, drug-free way to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms associated with trauma. Contact THC Recovery specialists to learn about EMDR or to find other forms of treatment and support.

Find EMDR Therapy in Los Angeles

People who have experienced trauma or live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may benefit from EMDR therapy. EMDR can also help people address trauma during substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

If you or someone you love lives with trauma and needs help, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at THC Recovery to learn about EMDR and other types of treatment. Reach out to ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment.

References:

American Psychiatric Association (APA): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR Therapy: How it Works and Benefits