EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)Ttherapy is a comprehensive structured psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

EMDR therapy is about 30 years old, developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. She published the first research supporting EMDR in 1989. Despite its benefits, EMDR is less widespread than other therapies like CBT or counseling.

EMDR therapy is NOT a form of hypnotism. You will remain conscious, awake, and in control at all times during an EMDR therapy session. Nothing can be done against your will, even if you are moving your eyes.

Our main priority is ensuring the safety and effectiveness of EMDR therapy for our clients. While there are numerous books and training programs available for therapists interested in learning EMDR, it is a complex therapy that demands a high level of skill and in-depth knowledge of specific techniques, which must be learned in a systematic way. TTA only approves training programs that strictly adhere to international guidelines. Therefore, it is important to verify that your therapist has completed TTA-approved training if you are considering EMDR therapy. By doing so, you can be confident that your therapist has received training in EMDR that is in line with international standards. In her book “Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Basic principles, Procedures and Protocols. Third Edition” (2018), the originator of EMDR, Francine Shapiro, states: “EMDR therapy training is best obtained through programs certified by the regional EMDR association in your area. The internationally standardized trainings consist of lecture, consultation, and supervised small-group practice.” (p 504) Please be aware that EMDR therapy is a mental health intervention. It should only be administered by trained and licensed mental health professionals. TTA does not endorse or encourage indiscriminate use of EMDR therapy, such as DIY therapy and therapy administered via apps.

Scientific research has established EMDR as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinicians have also found success in using EMDR as a component in managing: Depression Anxiety Panic attacks Personality disorders Complicated grief Dissociative disorders Pain disorders Body dysmorphic disorders Addictions Eating disorders Sexual or Physical abuse Performance anxiety Relationship difficulties Stress reduction Disturbing memories Phobias

Traumatic events can have a profound impact on an individual's life, leaving behind painful memories that seem to be "frozen in time". These memories can be triggered by certain stimuli and can cause intense emotions and distress. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic technique that can help to reprocess these memories and reduce their negative impact on a person's life. After undergoing EMDR therapy, individuals can still recall the event, but it no longer causes them distress or compels them to relive the experience. This transformative process supports individuals in moving forward with a more positive outlook and cultivating healthier relationships with others.

Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in addressing issues rooted in past traumas. Additionally, clinicians' anecdotal evidence spanning 25 years suggests that EMDR therapy can be highly beneficial for addressing experiential contributors. To assess if EMDR therapy is the right fit for you, consider discussing your specific concerns with your therapist and inquire about their experience using EMDR for similar issues.

When you start therapy, your therapist will spend some sessions understanding your history, planning your treatment, and getting you ready for the desensitization and reprocessing (phase 4). This involves teaching and practicing techniques to manage stress both during and outside of sessions. They'll help you identify specific issues to work on and set goals for your therapy. This is part of EMDR Therapy too – in fact it is a very IMPORTANT part. EMDR process has eight phases: Getting to know your history and planning (Phases 1-3) Desensitization and installing positive beliefs (Phases 4-5) Scanning your body for any remaining tension and closing the session (Phases 6-7) Reviewing progress and making any necessary adjustments (Phase 8) The start of the desensitization and reprocessing phase (Phase 4) depends on your ability to handle distress and use techniques to calm yourself in and out of sessions. The number of sessions to prepare for this phase varies from person to person, as everyone has different needs and come from different backgrounds. Your therapist will guide you through the process based on your unique situation and readiness.

Before starting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment, a therapist may require one or more sessions to better understand the problem through history taking. In these sessions, the therapist will also explain EMDR and answer any questions you have. The number of treatment sessions needed depends on the problem, life circumstances, and previous trauma – While every disturbing event need not be processed, the amount of therapy will depend upon the complexity of the history and treatment goals. please speak to your therapist to get a clearer picture of what this may be for you.

During a session, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as a focus for the treatment session. The client then calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc. The therapist will then begin eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. These eye movements are used until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with a positive thought and belief about yourself. Each session can last between 75-90mins.

The effects of the EMDR therapy session doesn't always end immediately after your session, as your brain will continue to process what you have worked on. During the session, many memories may come to mind. If these memories are distressing, you may still feel distressed for a day or two after the session. It is recommended that you take care of yourself and use relaxation techniques taught to you to soothe yourself during this time. It is also important not to engage in stressful activities after your EMDR session, such as taking an exam or undertaking a long journey. After a therapy session, it is common for people to remember additional aspects of what happened that they had not thought about for a while. Similarly, some individuals may experience more vivid dreams. It is important to note that everyone's experience is unique, so it is crucial to reflect on your experience and discuss it with your therapist. Remember that all of these reactions are entirely normal. Generally, people report feeling a sense of relief as their distress starts to reduce. At the end of EMDR therapy, many people report feeling no distress at all when recalling the traumatic event.

EMDR's approach provides a structured and respectful path to addressing symptoms, promoting lasting positive changes in how individuals perceive and navigate their experiences. Symptom-Focused Sessions: EMDR hones in on addressing symptoms directly during sessions, making the therapeutic process more focused and efficient. Minimal Trauma Discussion: There's no need to delve extensively into traumatic experiences. EMDR allows for effective treatment without requiring clients to recount every detail. Respectful Process: EMDR emphasizes a respectful approach, promoting a safe and comfortable environment for individuals undergoing therapy. No Homework Required: Unlike some therapies that involve assignments outside of sessions, EMDR doesn't typically require homework, simplifying the treatment process. Focus on Trait Change: EMDR uniquely targets changing one's traits rather than just the current state. State vs. Trait Change Clarification: State Change: Involves shifting or changing the current emotional state, for example, moving from anxiety to calmness during a session. Trait Change: Encompasses more enduring shifts in perception, perspective, and personality, fostering long-lasting positive changes beyond immediate emotional states.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is NOT a one session cure. While some people may start feeling better after a few sessions, it usually takes multiple sessions to see lasting improvements. Think of EMDR like a journey. It involves different steps to help you process and change the way you feel about difficult memories. The number of sessions depends on things like how tough your experiences have been, how ready you are to work on them, and what you hope to achieve. A trained EMDR therapist will guide you through these steps, working with you to process and understand your memories better. Each person's journey is unique, so the number of sessions can vary. The goal of EMDR is to help individuals process and reframe traumatic memories so that they no longer cause significant distress. It is a therapeutic method that aims for lasting positive change, and the number of sessions required can range from a few to several, depending on your needs and progress. It's essential to work closely with a trained EMDR therapist who can assess your specific situation and tailor the therapy to your unique needs. While EMDR can be highly effective, the idea of a "one-session cure" oversimplifies the therapeutic process and may not align with everyone's experience.

Yes, research indicates that the positive effects of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) treatment are generally maintained over time for many individuals. EMDR is designed to help people process and reframe traumatic memories, reducing the emotional distress associated with them. Studies have shown that the benefits of EMDR can be sustained in the long term. However, the extent and duration of these effects can vary among individuals. Factors such as the nature and severity of the trauma, the person's overall mental health, and their engagement in aftercare or additional support all play roles in determining the longevity of the treatment effects. It's important to note that EMDR is not a guarantee of complete eradication of all distress or challenges, but rather a method to help individuals better cope with and manage the impact of traumatic experiences. Regular follow-up sessions or ongoing therapeutic support may be recommended to ensure continued well-being in specific cases.

No it is not. Exposure therapy typically involves gradually exposing individuals to feared or traumatic stimuli in a controlled and systematic manner, aiming to reduce fear and anxiety responses over time through repeated exposure. During EMDR therapy, though individuals are guided to recall distressing memories, simultaneous bilateral stimulation is engaged. This dual attention process is thought to help the brain process the traumatic memories in a less distressing way, leading to a reduction in associated symptoms. EMDR involves cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and the development of coping skills to help individuals effectively manage distress and move toward healing.

Although eye movements are often considered its most distinctive element, EMDR therapy is not a simple procedure dominated by the use of eye movements. It is a complex psychotherapy, containing numerous components that are considered to contribute to treatment effects. Eye movements are used to engage the client’s attention to an external stimulus, while the client is simultaneously focusing on internal distressing material. Shapiro describes eye movements as “dual attention stimuli,” to identify the process in which the client attends to both external and internal stimuli. Therapist directed eye movements are the most commonly used dual attention stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and auditory stimulation are often used. The use of such alternate stimuli has been an integral part of the EMDR protocol for more than 10 years (Shapiro 1991, 1993).

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is generally considered a safe and effective therapeutic approach, and many individuals experience positive outcomes. However, like any form of therapy, there can be temporary side effects for some people. These are typically part of the natural healing process and tend to diminish over time. Some potential side effects may include: Emotional Discomfort: During EMDR, you may temporarily experience heightened emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger. This is a normal part of processing and tends to subside as therapy progresses. Vivid Dreams: Some individuals report having more vivid dreams after EMDR sessions. This is usually temporary and may be related to the processing of memories. Physical Sensations: You might experience physical sensations, such as fatigue or muscle tension, during or after EMDR. These sensations are often part of the body's response to the therapeutic process. Temporary Increase in Distress: While the goal of EMDR is to reduce distress associated with traumatic memories, some individuals may initially feel more distressed before experiencing improvement. This is a common part of the therapy process. Dissociation: In some cases, individuals may experience a brief sense of disconnection from their surroundings. Therapists are trained to manage and address dissociation if it occurs. It's crucial to communicate openly with your therapist about any side effects or concerns you may have during the EMDR process. Therapists are trained to monitor and adjust the pace of treatment to ensure it is manageable and effective for each individual. Remember that any discomfort experienced during EMDR is typically temporary and part of the overall healing journey.

It is important to remember that each case is unique. Generally, at the end of EMDR therapy, previously disturbing memories and present situations should no longer be problematic, and new healthy responses should be the norm.

There is no indication that EMDR therapy will cause seizures. In thousands of cases there have been only three reports of seizures occurring with people already diagnosed with epilepsy. Two of these cases occurred when using a lightbar. One case seemed to be caused by the processing of an old seizure. The client later reported that her experience made later seizures more manageable.

There is no indication that EMDR therapy will increase the frequency of seizures.

Many people are conscious of only a shadow of the experience, while others feel it to a greater degree. Unlike some other therapies, EMDR therapy clients are not asked to relive the trauma intensely and for prolonged periods of time. In EMDR therapy, when there is a high level of intensity it only lasts for a few moments and then decreases rapidly. If it does not decrease rapidly on its own, the clinician has been trained in techniques to assist it to dissipate. The client has also been trained in techniques to immediately relieve the distress.