You may be wondering, what is EMDR therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helps people process traumatic memories and difficult life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has become a go-to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues.

EMDR works on the idea that many psychological problems come from unprocessed traumatic memories stored in our brains. Through a combination of bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) and focused recall of difficult memories, EMDR activates the brain's natural healing.

Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR does not require you to recount traumatic memories in detail. Instead, EMDR focuses on altering how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors respond to trauma, enabling your brain to heal naturally.

Major health organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, recognize EMDR as an effective treatment

 for trauma. EMDR is now used for more than just PTSD, including treatment for anxiety, depression, and phobias too.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase approach that helps you process traumatic memories while reducing their emotional impact. The core technique involves using bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, although taps or tones may also be used. During this process, the client briefly focuses on distressing memories which enables the brain to reprocess these memories in a way that diminishes their emotional charge.

The therapy is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing model which posits that trauma disrupts your brain's natural healing process. The bilateral stimulation mimics REM sleep, helping integrate traumatic memories into broader memory networks, allowing for healthier emotional and cognitive responses.

Research shows that EMDR therapy leads to measurable brain changes, such as reduced activity in the amygdala (the brain's fear center) and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level thinking and emotional regulation. 

While EMDR can often work faster than some talk therapies, the number of sessions required depends on the individual's specific situation and trauma history. Many individuals experience significant relief after just a few sessions.

What Conditions or Issues Does EMDR Therapy Treat?

EMDR therapy was initially developed as a PTSD treatment but its applications have since expanded significantly beyond that. Research and clinical practice demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing numerous mental health challenges.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

EMDR remains a premier treatment for PTSD. It is particularly effective in helping people process traumatic memories and alleviate symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

Anxiety Disorders

EMDR effectively addresses various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. Studies indicate that by processing underlying experiences contributing to anxiety, EMDR significantly alleviates symptoms.

Depression and Mood Disorders

When depression is linked to challenging experiences or trauma, EMDR can be particularly beneficial. A study found individuals receiving EMDR improved more than those with standard treatments like fluoxetine.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Growing evidence suggests EMDR helps people with OCD, especially when compulsive behaviors link to distressing memories. In a case study, EMDR proved effective in treating an adolescent's OCD by addressing intrusive images of illness.

Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

EMDR helps with substance use disorders by processing trauma and stressors that drive addiction. In a study, EMDR showed promising results for treating trauma-related symptoms in those with SUD and comorbid PTSD.

Eating Disorders

For eating disorders like bulimia and binge eating, especially when connected to traumatic experiences, EMDR combined with standard therapies improves outcomes. A study found that EMDR therapy is effective in addressing trauma-related symptoms in individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED), particularly in those with a history of childhood abuse and comorbid PTSD.

Chronic Pain and Somatoform Disorders

EMDR shows promise for chronic pain and unexplained physical symptoms. By desensitizing memories associated with pain onset or exacerbation, it can reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life.

Sleep Disorders

Some studies show EMDR helps resolve sleep problems, especially nightmares and insomnia, by processing disturbing memories or chronic stress that disrupts sleep.

Performance Anxiety

Athletes, artists, and professionals use EMDR for performance anxiety. By neutralizing distressing experiences that block performance, EMDR helps restore confidence and skill.

A 2021 systematic review of 90 articles on EMDR for non-PTSD conditions found positive effects across this diverse range of issues, demonstrating its versatility as a therapeutic approach.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy offers profound benefits for individuals dealing with trauma and other psychological challenges. By reprocessing traumatic memories, it creates meaningful emotional, cognitive, and physical improvements.

Emotional Benefits

EMDR is particularly effective in providing emotional relief. Many clients report a significant reduction in distress about traumatic memories. The therapy helps individuals to:

• Reduce anxiety and fear responses
• Ease depression symptoms
• Build emotional resilience
• Better regulate emotions when triggered

Cognitive Benefits

EMDR helps reframe harmful thought patterns associated with trauma. Clients may experience:

• Enhanced ability to challenge negative self-beliefs
• Improved problem-solving
• Clearer decision-making
• A more balanced perspective of past events

Physical Benefits

While EMDR primarily targets psychological symptoms, physical improvements often follow:

• Reduced physical tension related to trauma (like headaches or chronic pain)
• Improved sleep with fewer nightmares
• Diminished physical stress responses to triggers

Faster Outcomes

EMDR is often more efficient than some traditional talk therapies. According to the American Psychological Association, some individuals with single-incident traumas see significant improvement in just a few sessions. Complex trauma usually requires more treatment, but EMDR's structured approach often reduces symptoms more rapidly.

Long-lasting Effects

The benefits of EMDR generally persist over time. A study found that EMDR's positive effects remained during follow-up assessments, suggesting enduring improvements.

Versatility in Treatment

While created for PTSD, EMDR now addresses many conditions. The EMDR International Association reports benefits for anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, chronic pain, addictions, and performance anxiety.

By activating the brain's natural healing processes, EMDR offers a unique approach to trauma treatment that improves overall well-being.

What to Expect During EMDR Therapy Sessions

Starting EMDR therapy at Innerwell means understanding the structured process that ensures comprehensive treatment while prioritizing your emotional safety. At Innerwell, we provide a tailored approach to EMDR, using an eight-phase model designed to guide you through each stage of your healing journey.

Initial Sessions: History and Preparation

Your first few sessions at Innerwell focus on gathering background information and preparing you for the therapy. During this phase, your therapist will learn about your history, assess your readiness for EMDR, identify specific traumatic memories to work on, and help you build tools to stay calm and grounded during therapy. 

These tools may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or coping strategies to help you manage any emotional distress that might emerge during the reprocessing. We work together to identify target memories and the emotions and beliefs tied to them.

Core Processing Sessions

The core of Innerwell's EMDR therapy involves using bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, to help you process distressing memories. This technique allows you to reprocess traumatic memories, replace negative beliefs with more positive ones, and assess your physical and emotional responses to ensure no distress remains.

Each session starts by reviewing your progress with the previous memory. If that memory feels resolved, we proceed to the next memory on your target list. This list evolves as therapy progresses, allowing us to address additional memories or emotions that may arise.

Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes with the number of sessions needed depending on your specific situation and trauma complexity.

What It Might Feel Like

During EMDR processing at Innerwell, you may experience:

• Shifts in emotions or physical sensations
• Vivid memories or new insights about past experiences
• Temporary increases in distress while processing difficult material

These experiences are part of the healing process. Your therapist guides you through intense emotions and ensures you feel grounded before concluding each session.

Closure and Reevaluation

Every session ends with a closure phase to ensure your emotional stability. Your therapist regularly assesses your progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed, making sure that the therapy continues to align with your evolving needs.

Timeline Example:

1. Sessions 1-2: History-taking and treatment planning
2. Sessions 3-4: Preparation and resource building
3. Sessions 5-8: Active processing of traumatic memories
4. Sessions 9-10: Installation of positive beliefs and body scan
5. Sessions 11-12: Reevaluation and future template work

At Innerwell, we believe that EMDR therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Whether in-person or through online EMDR therapy, open communication about your experiences, concerns, and goals throughout treatment ensures a supportive and effective healing journey.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

EMDR therapy can be a powerful healing tool, but it isn't suitable for everyone. Consider the following factors to help determine if it might be appropriate for your situation.

Signs EMDR may be beneficial::

• You experience distress related to trauma, PTSD, or troubling memories
• Traditional talk therapy hasn't provided sufficient relief
• You find it challenging to verbalize your traumatic experiences
• You're receptive to a structured approach for processing difficult emotions

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals dealing with:

• Single traumatic events (like accidents or assaults)
• Chronic PTSD from long-term trauma
• Anxiety disorders, including phobias and panic attacks
• Depression, particularly when connected to past negative experiences

Key considerations:

• EMDR can be emotionally intensive since it directly addresses traumatic memories
• You may temporarily experience increased distress during early phases of treatment
• Commitment to the full treatment process is important for optimal results

Working with a qualified EMDR practitioner is essential. Whether you're seeking EMDR treatment in Illinois or elsewhere, the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) recommends finding therapists with proper certification and training.

While EMDR is effective for many individuals, it's not an immediate solution. Some people experience significant improvement after a few sessions, while others require longer treatment.

If EMDR isn't the right fit, other therapeutic modalities, such as online therapy sessions, at-home Ketamine therapy or psychedelic integration therapy, may better suit your needs. Consulting with a mental health professional who can evaluate your specific situation will help determine if this therapy aligns with your healing goals and needs.

FAQs About EMDR Therapy

How effective is EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy has substantial research supporting it as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. Multiple studies demonstrate that EMDR reduces symptoms more rapidly than traditional talk therapies. Individuals receiving EMDR improved significantly compared to standard treatments.

How many sessions are usually needed?

The number of EMDR sessions needed depends on your individual circumstances and trauma complexity. Some people experience substantial relief after just a few sessions, while others require more extended treatment. Typical sessions last 60-90 minutes, with frequency based on your needs and your therapist's recommendations. Unlike some therapies requiring weekly sessions for years, EMDR sometimes employs more intensive scheduling over a shorter timeframe.

Can EMDR be combined with other types of therapy?

Yes, EMDR integrates well with other therapeutic approaches. Many therapists combine EMDR with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other methods to enhance therapeutic outcomes. For example, CBT techniques might support the preparation phase of EMDR, developing coping skills before trauma processing begins. This combined approach creates a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Is EMDR covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for EMDR varies by provider and plan. Since EMDR is an evidence-based treatment endorsed by leading health organizations, many insurance plans do provide coverage, especially for PTSD treatment. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with EMDR?

While EMDR is generally safe when conducted by trained professionals, it can evoke intense emotional or physical reactions during or after sessions. Processing traumatic memories might temporarily increase distress, cause vivid dreams, or bring up additional memories. These reactions are typically part of the healing process but require proper clinical management. Discussing potential side effects with your therapist and developing coping strategies for any temporary discomfort is important for your wellbeing.

Is EMDR only for treating PTSD?

Though EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, it now effectively addresses many other conditions. Research and clinical practice demonstrate EMDR benefits for anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and dissociative symptoms. A 2021 review found positive effects across numerous mental health issues, including addictions, physical symptom disorders, eating disorders, and chronic pain.