EMDR Therapy – Evidence-Based Treatment for Trauma and PTSD

If you've researched anything about trauma treatment, you've probably stumbled upon information about EMDR. Maybe you've read some things about it that have intrigued you. Or you've heard promising results from a friend or colleague. Maybe you've had past experiences in therapy, but you're now looking for more depth, introspection, and resolution.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy model used to treat all forms of trauma and a variety of mental health conditions. It's well-researched and popular for a reason- many clients find EMDR to be an invaluable part of their recovery process.

As a trauma-focused therapist, I use EMDR to help clients release their negative thoughts and the distressing sensations that feel trapped in their bodies.

Understanding EMDR

EMDR was developed in the 1980s and is a structured therapy consisting of eight phases. The essence of EMDR entails engaging in bilateral stimulation while focusing on specific targets (distressing traumatic memories, future triggers, and specific negative beliefs). Repeating this process helps your brain rewire how you respond to those targets.

EMDR is frequently used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder. In fact, the World Health Organization endorses EMDR as one of the most effective treatments for trauma.

In addition to trauma, EMDR can also help:

  • reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety

  • address underlying core beliefs associated with depression

  • reprocess painful memories that coincide with complicated grief

  • reduce chronic pain and other physical symptoms

  • improve themes of self-doubt and low self-esteem

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Phases of EMDR

EMDR adheres to a multi-phase treatment protocol, and each phase goes in a linear order. However, the time it takes to move through each phase varies based on the client and the complexity of the presenting concerns. In my practice, EMDR sessions are typically either 60 or 90 minutes, based on your unique needs and treatment plan.

My treatment approach is flexible, always honoring your psychological and physical symptoms and attuning to a pace that feels reasonable to you.

History-Taking

EMDR starts by understanding your specific history and identifying any events or triggers causing you distress. You don't have to share any particular details- EMDR is less about telling the whole story and more about understanding how you feel.

This first step helps us establish our initial treatment plan and allows us to focus on which targets we want to address within the EMDR processing.

Preparation

Before moving into any specific processing, it's so important to establish a trusting relationship. This is true for any therapy, but it will be a key feature of our EMDR practice. I understand that even thinking about traumatic events can evoke intense feelings. You may be worried about how I will perceive you or what might happen during our time together.

My goal is to help you feel supported and cared for throughout therapy. Intense emotions can indeed arise during EMDR, so I will help you practice various grounding and coping techniques to support overall regulation. If anything feels concerning, you're always welcome to let me know.

Assessment

During this phase, we collaborate on finding a specific target to work on together. You will share a particular image and any negative beliefs, negative emotions, or physical sensations connecting to that target.

We will also outline a positive belief that you'd like to internalize. The positive belief may be something like, I am safe now, or, I can trust myself, or, This is okay. In EMDR treatment, the goal is to eventually replace the negative with the positive.

Desensitization

At this point, we'll focus on the target while also engaging in bilateral stimulation. In my practice, I use a variety of bilateral stimulation methods, including visual stimulation with a lightbar, virtual tool, and/or physical hand movements, tactile stimulation with hand buzzers or self-tapping, as well as auditory stimulation with headphones.

Over time, this creates a desensitization effect. The disturbing event or distressing emotions no longer feel like they have such a hold over you. And while you won't forget what happened to you, the memory or feeling will be less intense.

Installation

Installation refers to how we strengthen attaching positive beliefs about your targets. This isn't about forcing positivity onto anything disturbing.

Instead, it's about creating an internal sense of empowerment. Your positive belief starts feeling more valid, and you can now better pair it with the target.

Body Scan

The body scan phase is important for locating any remaining physical symptoms stemming from your target. Sometimes uncomfortable sensations are still prevalent- if that's the case, we may need future rounds of extended exposure.

This doesn't mean anything is wrong with you or with EMDR. Desensitization can take time, and processing some targets may reveal other pressing targets that call for deeper attention.

Closure

Toward the end of an EMDR session, we will spend some time engaging in grounding exercises. My goal is to help you leave sessions feeling regulated (even if you still experience some anxiety or discomfort). With that, I also want you to have practical tools to manage any distress that might come up after the session is over.

Reevaluation

In future sessions, we will review the target to determine current distress and overall progress. Future processing may still need to take place- or we may need to focus on new targets, depending on what's happening in your life.

EMDR Vs Other Therapies

EMDR has some unique advantages over conventional talk therapy. Some of the benefits may include:

Faster symptom relief: EMDR is an effective treatment that may yield faster treatment outcomes than talk therapy, particularly in resolving PTSD symptoms. If you feel like you've spent several months or years "talking" about what happened without much resolution, it may be worth considering this option.

Focus on regulation: EMDR prioritizes staying grounded and connected, making it easier to work through distressing life experiences without becoming hyperaroused.

Less 'talking' about what happened: Many people find that sharing disturbing memories or thoughts makes them feel worse. EMDR doesn't require you to explicitly share the narrative of what happened to you. Instead, we simply focus on what's happening in the here and now and aim to resolve your current distress.

Replacing negative beliefs: EMDR focuses on replacing negative thoughts with more adaptive, positive beliefs. This can foster feelings of empowerment and strengthen your self-esteem.

Adaptive with other therapies: EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment model, but it can also be integrated with other modalities. I value being flexible in my approach and truly customizing treatment to best meet your specific needs. 

FAQs

How Do I Know If I Need Talk Therapy or EMDR?

I understand there are so many options to consider when seeking professional support. EMDR is just one of those choices. If you don't know what's best for you, we can collaborate on the different treatment methods together. As an integrative therapist, I also often use EMDR in conjunction with other modalities, including somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and CBT.

Is Online EMDR Therapy Effective?

Virtual therapy generally provides similar benefits as in-person treatment. Many clients find that online treatment feels more comfortable and convenient, especially if you feel more secure in your own space.

What Happens During a Typical EMDR Therapy Session?

After identifying your target, we'll review how you felt during the previous session, assess if any more distressing memories have shown up, and then briefly discuss progress. We'll then continue with bilateral stimulation, processing, and check-ins. Throughout our session, I'll regularly pause to ask you to share any images, thoughts, or body sensations that arise. We'll keep also working to integrate your positive beliefs so they become more real and salient.

Is EMDR Only Beneficial for Treating Trauma?

EMDR is one of the gold standards of trauma treatment, but it's a misconception that it's only beneficial for resolving trauma. Research has shown that EMDR can be beneficial for a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, and more.

How Effective Is EMDR?

Studies consistently support EMDR's efficacy. It's one of the most researched treatments for PTSD, with research showing that upwards of 75-90% of people with single-incident traumas experience significant relief after just a few sessions. EMDR can also be effective for complex trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression, and more.

How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?

The specific number of EMDR therapy sessions varies from client to client. You may notice a significant improvement in just a few sessions. However, clients with more complex or longstanding concerns often need more time. We will review progress periodically.

EMDR Therapy in New York and Connecticut

If you're considering EMDR, I commend you for seeking support and prioritizing your emotional well-being. I know that adverse life experiences can make it seem like things will feel bad indefinitely. EMDR invites us to consider a new way of experiencing life.

If you struggle with trauma or other difficult mental health concerns, I am here to support you. I provide in-person therapy for adults and teens in White Plains, New York and virtually throughout New York and Connecticut. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR or want to schedule a consultation, please reach out today.