Whether you’re considering EMDR therapy for yourself or simply want to understand how it works, this page explains the science behind it and what to expect during the process. Since EMDR is typically used to help process distressing experiences, it can be helpful to first understand what trauma actually is. You can read more about it here. 

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an integrative psychotherapy extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma and related symptoms. 

Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based therapy by the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Department of Defense, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international institutions.

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How EMDR Works

EMDR acts like a cleaning program for our nervous system, based on Francine Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. It helps traumatic memories become unstuck and move through our system, using bilateral stimulation to desensitize and reprocess the traumatic material.

Depending on the type of trauma or symptom, the therapist can use different EMDR protocols. Most protocols require a focused re-connection with the traumatic material, while various forms of bilateral stimulation are used to distract from the upsetting material.

One exception is the Flash Technique. This technique allows for less intense sessions when a traumatic event seems too difficult to process with the standard protocol. So if you are concerned about intensity, ask your therapist if they are trained in the Flash Technique.

EMDR Sessions  

During an EMDR session, the process is similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep. Accordingly, we can think of EMDR Therapy as a physiologically based therapy. Through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, the traumatic material becomes resolved.

The therapist guides the client through a very structured process, which consists of several phases. The 8-phase protocol includes a preparation phase where the therapist ensures the client can apply grounding and emotional regulation strategies.

After successful EMDR therapy, one can remember the event without reliving the intense emotions or being disturbed by unwanted images. More so, the brain builds new neural pathways supporting healthier thoughts and behaviors.

Sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes. It is recommended to plan some free time after the sessions, as increased fatigue can set in, especially after more intensive sessions.

In certain circumstances, clients also have the option of ‘intensives’ with 3 hours per day (with breaks in between).

The therapy can be part of standard talk-based therapy, adjunctive therapy, or a standalone treatment.  

Duration of EMDR Therapy

The duration of EMDR therapy depends on various factors, including the amount of previous trauma, current life circumstances, and the type and degree of the trauma. Another factor to consider is whether you are aiming for ‘symptom reduction’ or ‘comprehensive treatment’.

For a single traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident, two or three sessions can already be very helpful. Multiple traumatic events or more complex trauma will require more sessions. A tailored treatment plan will be developed in the initial sessions.

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EMDR: Beyond PTSD

While EMDR is effective for post-traumatic stress, it is also used to treat other conditions and experiences like the following:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder • Complicated Grief • Compulsions • Dissociative Disorders • Eating Disorders • Emotional Abuse • Neglect • Pain Disorders • Panic Attacks • Performance Anxiety • Personality Disorders • Phobias • Physical Abuse • Sexual Abuse • Chronic Stress

Recent research shows promising results, particularly in generalized anxiety and panic disorders, phobias, and chronic pain. This is not surprising if it can be established that these symptoms have developed following traumatic experiences or chronic neglect.

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Choosing an EMDR Therapist

Only trained clinicians who understand the complexity of trauma should perform EMDR. Since EMDR is not a cognitive type of therapy, but rather addresses the trauma on an emotional level, it is important that the therapist can skillfully manage adverse reactions that may occur during processing.

Further, an EMDR therapist must 

• be a licensed member of a professional body
• hold at minimum a Master’s degree related to the counselling field
• have at least 2 years of practical counselling experience
• complete Level 1 and 2 of the ‘Basic training’ (ideally approved by EMDRIA) 
• complete the required amount of supervision hours

  

When choosing an EMDR therapist, consider asking about their experience, specific areas of expertise, and whether they are EMDR certified. 

Example questions:

• How long have you been practicing EMDR?
• How many EMDR sessions do you provide per week?
• Do you have experience in the specific area I want to address? 

What is an ‘EMDR Certified Therapist’?

EMDR Certified Therapists (Level 3) have gone the extra mile since their basic training. They have completed advanced training and additional supervision hours, ensuring a higher level of commitment and expertise. 

Plus, in order to maintain EMDR certification, therapists must complete twelve hours of advanced EMDR training every two years. In contrast, Level 2 therapists are not required to continue their EMDR training throughout their professional career.

Self-Administered EMDR

Given the complexity of trauma, self-administered bilateral stimulation is not recommended. In fact, EMDRIA strongly advises against it. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that works when the 8-phase protocol is followed under the guidance of a trained clinician. Applying bilateral stimulation while focusing on a traumatic event is not the same as EMDR therapy.

With self-administered bilateral stimulation, there is a risk that unconscious and/or highly disturbing material emerges and overwhelms the system, potentially leading to re-traumatization. As a result, self-destructive thoughts and behaviours may intensify.

Furthermore, such a frightening experience could lead some people to falsely believe that EMDR ‘doesn’t work’ and deprive them of an effective and safe trauma therapy, thereby prolonging their suffering.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to explore EMDR therapy, I invite you to book an intake appointment or schedule a free consultation. 

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With years of experience as an EMDR Certified Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals of all ages. Together, we can explore how EMDR might help you, determine whether it’s the best fit for your needs, and assess if online sessions would be a safe and effective option for you.

For more information, please visit EMDRIA or contact me. You can also view the official EMDRIA brochures for adults or children. 

Watch a few videos on EMDR: