What happens in an EMDR session?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Successful EMDR sessions are characterized by several key factors:
1. A Qualified Therapist: EMDR should be administered by a trained and licensed therapist. At Mind Body Co-op, we have a number of trained and experienced EMDR therapists. Our therapists have a deep understanding of trauma and the EMDR protocol.
2. Thorough Assessment: At MBC, we take out time to complete a thorough assessment of the client’s history, trauma, and current psychological state. This helps us tailor the treatment plan to the individual’s specific needs.
3. Establishment of Trust and Safety: It is essential for the therapist & client to establish a have a safe and trusting relationship, this can take time. Trust in the therapeutic relationship is critical for the client to open up about their traumatic experiences. At MBC we take our time and are committed to a safe, working relationship.
4. Preparation Phase: EMDR typically involves an initial phase where our therapists & client discuss the client’s history, develop coping strategies, and explain the EMDR process. This phase helps clients feel prepared for the actual processing of traumatic memories.
5. Treatment Planning & Target Identification: Once the target has been identified, The client and therapist work together to identify specific memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the traumatic event that the client wishes to process during the EMDR session. The therapist will then begin the bilateral stimulation, which can be in the form of guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This bilateral stimulation is a crucial component of the therapy, as it helps the client reprocess traumatic memories and reduce the emotional charge associated with them.
6. Desensitization & Reprocessing: During the EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through reprocessing the traumatic memory. This involves accessing and processing the memory, changing negative beliefs, and replacing them with more positive and adaptive ones. Successful EMDR sessions maintain a dual awareness, where the client is aware of both the traumatic memory and their current surroundings, ensuring they do not become overwhelmed by the memory.
7. Closure & Reevaluation: A successful EMDR session includes time for closure, where the therapist helps the client return to a state of emotional stability and offers relaxation techniques if necessary. The client’s progress is also reviewed, and any remaining distress is addressed in subsequent sessions.
8. Ongoing Support & Integration: EMDR may require multiple sessions to process complex traumas fully. Ongoing support from the therapist is crucial to monitor progress and ensure that the client continues to experience relief from their symptoms. The therapist and client work together to integrate the insights and positive changes achieved during EMDR into the client’s daily life.
Success in EMDR therapy is measured by the reduction in distress, the resolution of trauma-related symptoms, and an overall improvement in the client’s mental and emotional well-being. It is important to note that not every EMDR session will result in immediate relief, and progress may take time. However, with the right therapist and a commitment to the process, EMDR can be an effective treatment for trauma-related issues.
Are you wondering if EMDR could be a solution for you?
Contact us today to schedule an EMDR session
“It takes enormous trust and courage to allow yourself to remember.” ― The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Do you have more questions about EMDR?
Do I share details about my problems in order for them to be processed?
No, it is not necessary to talk about all the details of your experiences for them to be processed.
Will I get emotional?
Yes, you may. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing; although, you will be prepared and your therapist will help you safely manage them. Once they are processed, they rarely come back!
Is EMDR like hypnosis?
No. During EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.
Is EMDR a brief treatment?
EMDR, as with all treatment approaches, will help you accomplish your treatment goals. The length of time that it takes is dependent upon the complexity of your problems. Frequently, EMDR is only one of several treatment approaches that will be used to help you reach yo
