Bilateral stimulation is used in EMDR therapy, usually eye movements, to help process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes; improvement is usually seen by most people within 6-12 sessions, though this varies based on individual circumstances and trauma complexity.
Fast Facts:
- EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective PTSD treatment
- Approximately 77% of people with single-trauma PTSD recover after 6 sessions
- Various conditions beyond trauma are treated by the therapy, including anxiety and phobias
- 8 distinct phases are involved in sessions, from preparation to memory processing
- No medication is required, making it suitable for people who prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches
Understanding EMDR’s Basic Process
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is what EMDR stands for, though that technical name doesn’t capture what actually happens in sessions. The therapy was developed after Dr. Francine Shapiro noticed her own anxiety decreased during walks where her eyes naturally moved back and forth. This observation was then tested systematically with clients by her.
An eight-phase protocol is followed by EMDR today. Clients are guided through preparation, assessment, and processing phases by therapists. Eye movements, sounds, or tactile sensations can be involved in the bilateral stimulation. What seems to matter most is the alternating left-right pattern that appears to help the brain integrate difficult memories.
Who Benefits from EMDR Therapy
Traditional talk therapy is often found challenging by trauma survivors because discussing traumatic events can feel overwhelming. A different approach is offered by EMDR that doesn’t require detailed verbal processing of memories. This has been found particularly helpful by many Calgary professionals, first responders, and healthcare workers.
Single-incident traumas like car accidents or workplace injuries are worked with well by the therapy. It’s also been adapted for complex trauma, anxiety disorders, and even performance issues. EMDR is sometimes used by students preparing for exams to address test anxiety. The applications continue expanding as research progresses.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Any eye movements or memory processing won’t be involved in your initial EMDR session. Instead, building rapport and teaching coping skills are focused on by therapists. This preparation phase matters because a stable foundation is required for processing traumatic memories.
Grounding techniques will be learned by you and what therapists call a “calm place” visualization will be developed. These tools help you feel secure during later processing sessions. Some people worry they’ll lose control during EMDR, but these concerns are specifically addressed by the preparation phase. Most clients feel ready to proceed after one or two preparatory sessions.
The Science Behind Bilateral Stimulation
Exactly how EMDR works is still debated by researchers, though several theories have emerged. The eye movements mimic REM sleep patterns is suggested by one theory, when daily experiences are naturally processed by the brain. How bilateral stimulation affects working memory capacity is focused on by another theory.
What we know for certain is that how traumatic memories are stored in the brain is changed by EMDR. Decreased activation in the amygdala (fear center) after successful treatment is shown by brain imaging studies. Improved functioning is also shown by the hippocampus, responsible for memory organization. These changes appear to be lasting rather than temporary. Interesting how that works.
Common Concerns About EMDR
Whether they’ll be forced to relive traumatic experiences in vivid detail is wondered about by many people. Actually, the emotional intensity of memories is often reduced by EMDR rather than increased. That disturbing images become less clear or fade entirely during processing is frequently reported by clients.
Side effects or emotional overwhelm between sessions are worried about by some. While emotions can be temporarily increased by processing, this is found manageable with proper preparation by most people. How to pace treatment appropriately is known by Calgary psychologists trained in EMDR. Staying within your window of tolerance is always the goal.
Finding the Right EMDR Therapist
EMDR training is not received by all therapists, and training levels vary significantly. Clinicians who’ve completed both Level 1 and Level 2 EMDR training through approved organizations should be looked for. Additional consultation or specialty training is also pursued by many.
Experience with your specific type of trauma matters too. A therapist who works primarily with single-incident trauma might not be the best fit for complex developmental trauma. About their background and approach during initial consultations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Making the Decision to Try EMDR
The only effective trauma therapy isn’t EMDR, but unique advantages for many people are offered by it. Busy professionals and students are appealed to by the relatively short treatment duration. Those who struggle with traditional talk therapy approaches are helped by the fact that extensive verbal processing isn’t required.
If EMDR in Calgary is being considered by you, start by scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific situation. Brief initial meetings to determine if EMDR is a good fit are offered by many therapists. Whether this evidence-based approach aligns with your healing goals can be explored with help from Choice Point Psychological. Visit our website to learn more about EMDR therapy options.
Mini-FAQ:
Q: Does EMDR therapy really work? EMDR’s effectiveness for trauma and PTSD is consistently shown by research. It works as well as other evidence-based therapies, as demonstrated by multiple studies. That still surprises people.
Q – How long does EMDR treatment take? Look, it depends on several factors. Single-incident trauma often resolves faster than complex trauma. Changes are noticed by most people within 3-6 sessions, though complete treatment may take longer.
Q: What happens during an EMDR session? Fair point to ask. A specific memory will be focused on by you while your therapist’s finger movements are followed with your eyes. The process feels unusual at first. But most clients adapt quickly to the bilateral stimulation.
Q: Is EMDR safe for everyone? Generally speaking, yes. However, modified approaches may be needed by people with certain eye conditions or severe dissociation. Your readiness will be assessed by your therapist beforehand.
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