The mind recovers from psychological trauma much like how the body heals from physical wounds – it is a gradual process that often requires intervention from mental health professionals.
Several studies have found that EMDR helps individuals process trauma more efficiently than many other methods. If you are struggling with traumatic memories that affect your daily life, or if other treatments haven’t provided the improvements you’re hoping for, this type of therapy may be worth exploring.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognised by the American Psychiatric Association and endorsed by the World Health Organisation as an effective form of treatment for trauma and emotional distress caused by disturbing experiences. It was first developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as an alternative approach to treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR therapy is based on the idea of the adaptive information processing model, which explains that trauma-related symptoms stem from memories that have not been correctly processed. Hence, this therapy aims to change the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain so an individual can reprocess them and reduce or eliminate problematic behaviour.
While an EMDR programme is particularly beneficial for treating traumatic stress or complex PTSD, studies show that it could also be successful for treating other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and depressive disorders, as well as stress-induced physical illnesses or medically unexplained symptoms.
How Does EMDR Work with Trauma?
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, a therapeutic technique that engages both sides of the brain using visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli. This process happens while an individual recalls a specific trauma in a controlled and safe environment, allowing the brain’s natural memory processing system to address the trauma more healthily.
EMDR is typically administered once or twice weekly in approximately 6 to 12 sessions, although the duration and progress vary. An individual may require more or fewer sessions depending on factors such as the number of traumatic events experienced and the age at which PTSD symptoms began. Studies show that about 90% of individuals with a single trauma recovered from PTSD symptoms after only three 90-minute sessions, making it a rapid and effective form of therapy.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with past trauma or experiencing symptoms of PTSD, EMDR may be a viable treatment option. There are several treatment approaches to address trauma and PTSD, including traditional talk therapy and medication. Seeking professional help is essential to determine the most suitable treatment for your needs.
The 8 Phases of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy
EMDR navigates the past, present, and future aspects of trauma, integrating various therapeutic elements to maximise its effectiveness. Your EMDR therapist will guide you through the eight phases of treatment, all of which work toward healing and diminishing trauma-related symptoms.
Phase 1: History-Taking
The history-taking phase occurs during the first few sessions and may continue throughout therapy. During this period, your therapist will gather background information, assess your suitability for EMDR therapy, and determine whether additional treatments may be beneficial alongside EMDR. Based on this evaluation, a personalised treatment plan will be created. This initial examination also helps the therapist identify possible targets for treatment, which may include past traumatic events, ongoing stressors, or triggers that intensify emotional distress.
Phase 2: Preparation
The primary goal of the preparation phase is to build rapport and establish trust between you and the therapist. Your therapist will carefully explain each step of the EMDR procedure, ensuring you understand its purpose and feel safe throughout the experience. Remember that you always have the option to pause or stop at any point if you feel uncomfortable. The therapist will also teach you practical coping strategies, including relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and resourcing methods.
Phase 3-6: Treatment
These phases focus on accessing and evaluating memories that contribute to emotional suffering. This does not necessarily mean you must fully relive or recall the experienced trauma. Instead, you may be encouraged to select a specific image representing it. You will then be guided to verbalise the negative beliefs (e.g., “I am in danger.”), emotions (e.g., fear) and the physical sensations (e.g., shaking) associated with the memory. Following this, you will choose a positive belief (e.g., “I am safe.”) that should be realistic at that moment.
To track progress, you will assess the accuracy of both negative and positive beliefs and physiological responses using standardised diagnostic measures. Below is a more detailed explanation of the three core stages of the EMDR treatment process.
- Desensitisation: This stage aims to mitigate emotional or physical responses linked to the trauma. While focusing on the selected image, negative thoughts, and bodily sensations, your therapist will assist you through bilateral movements like tapping, eye movements, or auditory cues until your responses shift to neutral or positive states. You will then rate the distress level of the trauma memory using a distress scale.
- Installation: Here, you will concentrate on the positive belief you selected, reinforcing it as you reevaluate your previous negative belief as an inaccurate perception. The goal is to build confidence in positive thoughts.
- Body Scan: In the final stage, you will mentally revisit the memory to identify any residual tension or discomfort in your body. The therapist will continue the EMDR process until all physical stress associated with the memory has been dissolved. This session is considered complete once the traumatic event no longer causes distress, ensuring the positive perception has been fully adopted on both a cognitive and physiological level.
Phase 7: Closure
Closure happens at the end of each EMDR session. Individuals do not all respond the same way to treatment, and it is alright if the processing of the event is not completed. The therapist will guide you in alternative relaxation techniques to help you feel calm and grounded, even outside therapy. At this stage, you will also be given insights on what to expect in the coming sessions and encouraged to document your progress and any related problems that may arise during the week.
Phase 8: Re-Evaluation
Every succeeding session begins with a re-evaluation. The therapist will review your improvement and responsiveness to the treatment and assess your current emotional and psychological state. Any relevant material that has transpired since the last session will also be discussed to ensure your stability and maintenance of positive results.
Start Your EMDR Treatment
If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD symptoms, struggling with complex trauma, or want to try a unique, nontraditional trauma therapy, EMDR might be the right option for you.
At Orchid Recovery, our highly skilled and compassionate team is ready to support you in your healing journey. With a range of effective treatment approaches, you can break free from the grip of trauma and regain control of your life. Contact us today and take the first step toward recovery.
