Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy uses eye movements to facilitate and accelerate healing from emotional trauma.
EMDR is advocated for both children and adults by the World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Organization, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Defense.
Dozens of controlled outcome studies have been done on EMDR. Some indicate that 84%-90% of trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after three 90-minute sessions. A Kaiser Permanente study found that after six 50-minute sessions, 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer reported PTSD. Another study found that 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions.
Given its effectiveness in treating trauma, EMDR is equally effective in treating upsetting memories that result in low self-esteem, anxiety, feelings of powerlessness, and other everyday problems. Over 100,000 clinicians worldwide have successfully treated millions of people.
The EMDR Institute 8-step process:
During the first of the eight steps, the clinician reviews that client’s history, assesses their readiness, and develops a treatment plan. The two work together to target traumatic memories ripe for EMDR processing.
During the second phase, the therapist makes sure that the client has different tools to handle emotional trauma so they don’t feel overwhelmed during and between treatment sessions.
In phases three to six, a memory is identified and processed using EMDR. During this, the client must identify: a visual image related to the specific memory, a negative belief about him/herself related to the memory, any emotions and body sensations attached to the memory.
The client must also identify a positive memory or image.
The client is instructed to focus on the negative thought, belief, and body sensations during EMDR stimulation which may include eye movements, tones, or taps.
After each stimulation, the client lets their brain go blank and take note of whatever image or sensation crosses their mind. When the client no longer associates upset with the targeted memory, they are directed to think of the previously identified positive idea or memory.
In phase seven, the therapist asks the client to record any associated memories, sensations, etc. that occur outside of session. This also helps remind the client to practice the self-calming activities that were identified earlier.
Phase eight examines the progress made.
EMDR Therapy in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho, New Mexico at Trauma Treatment Center
If you would like more information about the EMDR services we offer at Trauma Treatment Center, please contact us.