If you spend much time around me, it won’t take long to learn that I love EMDR therapy (aka Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy). It took me a minute to get warmed up to it. In grad school when I heard about EMDR, it sounded a little too “woo-woo” for me. But after I got trained and learned about all of the science behind it, I drank the Kool Aid and I’m all in now! Let me tell you why.
1. EMDR Brings Focus to Your Practice
Getting trained in EMDR is not a one and done workshop over a weekend. There is so much to learn and the growth opportunities are limitless. Early in my career, I found myself signing up for so many therapy trainings, eager to gain tools and feel equipped to help clients in my office. And although I learned a lot, hearing a long list of approaches to therapy actually became confusing. There were nuggets of wisdom from different trainings that I gained here and there, but there were always pieces that I felt were missing. EMDR training was so in depth that it answered my questions, gave confidence because it was rooted in trauma research, and provided practical interventions to utilize in session. There are also adaptations to incorporate for working with specific diagnoses, so the opportunities to continue learning and developing mastery are definitely there. Deciding to focus on EMDR and really go all in helped me find focus as a therapist and instead of dabbling here and there with trainings, I committed to becoming excellent at EMDR.
2. EMDR Gives Direction for Treatment
EMDR is a 3-pronged approach, which means that it addresses a person’s past, present and future. I love this because sometimes therapists can get so focused on the past that we forget to address what is happening in the here and now. Even more so, therapists rarely spend time with clients discussing their futures. This holistic approach really resonated with me. EMDR also has 8 phases. Each phase is essential in the therapeutic process. Having specific areas to address in each phase gives both me as the therapist and my clients a sense of direction. Therapy sessions feel purposeful and intentional as we work through these phases together. This is incredibly helpful in giving structure to sessions instead of feeling directionless or simply addressing what the client brings to the room each week.
3. EMDR Provides Insight on Case Conceptualization
One of my favorite elements of EMDR is the foundation in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. In EMDR trainings and consultations, we spend a large amount of time unpacking the impact of trauma on human experience. We discuss what exactly is happening in the brain. Who we are today is a result of our past circumstances, both positively and negatively. Learning about the AIP model and trauma helps tremendously when conceptualizing client cases. It gives us a lens to look through as we seek to understand clients’ symptoms and circumstances. In addition, providing information about the brain and trauma to clients gives them a sense of understanding instead of feeling broken or hopeless. In turn, this brings hope for healing! Finding a therapy that fits your worldview and core values is such an important part of your career. We spend so much time in the therapy room, you want to be sure you believe in what you are implementing and that you have confidence in your conceptualization skills.
4. EMDR Brings Client Results
Clients are seeking counseling services for a reason, they want help. It’s imperative that we as therapists pause to consider, “Am I actually helping my clients? Are they getting better?” EMDR has been a game-changer for my clients when it comes to results. It has a unique way of addressing the root of problems instead of simply addressing triggers and symptoms. Yes, EMDR still implements skill building and emotional regulation, but it doesn’t stop there. EMDR actually reprograms the brain. I have had many clients come to me feeling discouraged sharing that they have read the self-help books, practiced positive habits, tried talk therapy and yet something is still missing. EMDR so often addresses this gap. Early in my career I could have told you that we need to get to the root to find healing, but I could not have told you how we get there. EMDR provides a roadmap for this and in turn brings client results-which is exactly what clients are coming to therapy looking for!
5. EMDR Develops Increased Confidence
As I honed in on EMDR trainings, started implementing this therapy into my practice, conceptualized client cases through the AIP model and started seeing results, my confidence in turn grew. Holy cow, I feel better AND my clients feel better?! As we feel more confident, going to work feels like a blessing and not a burden. Being an active part of someone’s healing journey is energizing. Imposter Syndrome started to dissipate. Mastering EMDR has in turn helped cement my own positive core beliefs such as, “I am capable of helping people,” “I am good enough,” and “I’m worthy to be in this space.” Isn’t it beautiful that as we help our clients on their healing journey, we too are on ours? And as clients find relief, this creates more buy-in to the therapeutic process. Clients start to believe that change is possible. They develop a deeper sense of trust in you as their therapist. As this rapport is strengthened, deeper places of vulnerability and healing can be attained.
6. EMDR Surrounds You with Community
EMDR therapy is a whole world of its own. I laugh as I talk to my family and friends about it because there is terminology and processes that sound like a foreign language! EMDRIA is the association that governs the EMDR community and credentialing process. As you attend EMDR trainings and become a member of organizations you naturally start to surround yourself with like-minded professionals. As I’ve gone through different levels of credentialing, I’ve built connections with consultants and consultees that are incredibly special. I truly believe that we are not meant to do life (or therapy) alone and that connection helps prevent burnout. Developing a sphere of confidants and fellow EMDR therapists that you trust is so beneficial to our work. You want to have people you can call when you need support, a consultant you can staff cases with when you feel out of your wheel house. And having someone with the same EMDR foundations truly does make a difference!
Sometimes less really is more. I’ve intentionally signed up for continuing education that is in alignment with expanding my skills as an EMDR therapist and said no to other trainings. We can’t do all things well. There are benefits to so many different approaches to therapy. I have committed to being the go-to EMDR gal, but I also surround myself with colleagues with other specialities so I have solid referrals when they are needed. Have I converted you to the EMDR cult yet?! I could talk about the benefits of EMDR for therapists and clients for hours. If you want to learn more or are curious about EMDR trainings, check out the EMDR programs I offer or schedule a consultation to chat with me about what would be the best fit for this stage in your career!
