#1 – “How Does EMDR Work?”
#2- “Is EMDR Only for Trauma?”
#3- “How Long Does EMDR Take to Work?”
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has been a total game-changer for many clients seeking to heal not only from trauma but a variety of other struggles. As a therapeutic approach, EMDR can seem a bit mysterious- especially if you’re more familiar with traditional talk therapy.
If you’ve been considering EMDR therapy, you likely have a few questions. As an EMDR therapist, over the years I’ve heard certain concerns or questions from clients who want to know more about the process, how it works, and whether or not it’s right for them. I want to take some time and dive into three of the most common EMDR questions clients ask and provide some insight to demystify the process!
#1 – “How Does EMDR Work?”
One of the most common questions I receive is about what actually happens during EMDR therapy. The name itself- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing- might sound misleading (it’s not just about eye movements). EMDR is a structured and evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from distressing experiences. So let’s break it down together.
Answer: At its core EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories and impactful experiences can become “stuck” in the brain which causes emotional distress in the present. When these memories are not properly processed, they can trigger things like negative emotions, intrusive thoughts, or behaviors that impair daily functioning. EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess these memories to an adaptive resolution. I mentioned that there is structure to EMDR. There’s eight phases, each with a specific purpose:
- History & Treatment Planning: In this phase, we discuss your history, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the specific memories or events that might be contributing to emotional distress. This helps us understand what you could be helpful to process during therapy.
- Preparation: This phase helps you feel comfortable and safe with the EMDR process. We’ll talk about what to expect, discuss any potential emotions that might arise, and work to establish trust within our therapeutic relationship.
- Assessment: In this phase we identify the negative beliefs and feelings connected to a traumatic memory and the preferred positive belief that will counteract the negative belief.
- Desensitization: This is where the eye movements come in. Bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements) helps activate both sides of the brain and helps facilitate the reprocessing of distressing memories. As you focus on the memory, you’ll notice that the emotional intensity of the memory begins to decrease over time.
- Installation: During this phase we focus on strengthening the positive belief that replaces the negative one. This is where much of the relief occurs as more adaptive beliefs start to take root.
- Body Scan: We check in with how your body feels while thinking about the processed memory. Any residual tension or discomfort is addressed to help release it.
- Closure: This phase helps to bring you back to a state of calm at the end of the session. We use any needed relaxation techniques to ensure you feel grounded and settled.
- Reevaluation: In future sessions we revisit and discuss the memories you’ve processed to make sure the effects are impactful and to see if new insights or changes have occurred.
Bilateral Stimulation?
It’s one of the notable features of EMDR: bilateral stimulation. Bilateral– we have two hemispheres in our brains and stimulation– we are activating both sides of the brain, back and forth. Research suggests that this stimulation mimics the brain’s natural processing that occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During REM sleep, the brain processes and consolidates memories. By replicating this process in therapy we help your brain work through unprocessed memories and emotions more effectively.
There are different modalities for participating in bilateral stimulation. Eye movement is one method (eyes follow something that moves back and forth), but there are other forms such as tactile (tapping on the body) or auditory (alternating sounds back and forth in headphones). No matter the method, the magic of EMDR comes from how it helps your brain reprocess distressing memories allowing them to decrease their emotional charge and integrate in a healthier way.
#2- “Is EMDR Only for Trauma?”
Another question I often hear is whether or not EMDR is ONLY useful for addressing trauma. While it’s true that EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, since then there has grown to be a wealth of research that supports it’s also highly effective for a wide range of other emotional and mental health challenges. Client EMDR concerns can center around whether or not EMDR is the right fit.
Answer: EMDR is incredibly versatile and can be used to address a variety of concerns beyond PTSD. In my own practice many clients come to us seeking help for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, or even challenges related to self-esteem and relationship issues. Let me explain…
Healing the Root Cause
Many of the emotional challenges we face as people come from those negative situations that we might block out or sweep under the rug. Negative beliefs and feelings can become deeply ingrained in our brain and affect how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. For example, someone with generalized anxiety might have a belief such as “I’m not safe” or “I can’t handle stress,” which creates heightened fear or worry in their day-to-day life.
EMDR works by identifying and reprocessing the memories or experiences that created these negative beliefs. Once these memories are “properly processed” they no longer have the same emotional charge. Think about it like your brain is a library and when something impactful happened, the “book” for that memory got stored on the wrong shelf. EMDR is helping to properly store the memory (on the right bookshelf) so it no longer causes an impact in your present day. For someone with anxiety, this means that the brain no longer associates current situations with past trauma or fear.
EMDR and Depression
Depression can also be tied to past memories or core beliefs like “I’m not worthy” or “I’ll never be good enough.” These beliefs can show up in daily life with feelings of hopelessness and sadness. By using EMDR to process these underlying negative beliefs, clients can replace them with healthier & more realistic ones, which can have a profound impact on their mood and overall outlook on life.
EMDR and Relationships
Ever found yourself in painful relationship patterns, whether it’s difficulty trusting a partner, fear of abandonment, or you get big emotions when it comes to conflict? These struggles often stem from those past experiences that shape how we respond in relationships. EMDR therapy allows clients to process the unresolved wounds fueling these patterns- from childhood experiences to past betrayals & feelings of unworthiness.
#3- “How Long Does EMDR Take to Work?”
Those who are interested in EMDR often ask, “How long does it take to see results? Will I feel better after just one session?” Although EMDR does naturally limit some of the work that might occur through traditional talk therapy, it really does depend on each individual client. As a therapist I have found that it’s important to manage expectations.
Answer: EMDR therapy is unique in that it tends to create relief relatively quickly compared to traditional talk therapy. Many clients experience some relief after just one or two sessions, but it’s important to understand that while you may feel lighter or less distressed after the first few sessions, it can take several sessions to address deeper layers of trauma or negative beliefs.
Getting Started with EMDR Therapy
The first few sessions we aren’t diving straight into the deep stuff! Instead we take the time to get to know each other, figure out what’s been weighing on you, and make sure you feel safe and supported before we really get into the EMDR process. Some people are ready to jump in right away while others need a little more time to get comfortable- and that’s totally okay! The goal isn’t to rush the process but to make sure you have what you need to move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Noticing Shifts
After working through the phases of EMDR therapy you might start to notice changes. Sometimes the shifts are subtle at first like feeling lighter without really knowing why. Other times they’re big and obvious, like realizing that something that used to send you spiraling just… doesn’t anymore. Everyone’s process looks different!
Ongoing Results
One of the coolest things about the human brain is neuroplasticity – our brains can CHANGE! The things that once felt like immovable roadblocks, the emotional patterns that seemed set in stone, and the reactions that felt automatic? They don’t have to stay that way. EMDR therapy is rewiring your brain, not just managing symptoms.
It is SO normal to have questions about how EMDR works and what to expect! Hopefully some of that mystery feels a little clearer. If you are a therapist who is curious to learn more or who wants to get comfier with your EMDR skills and knowledge, I offer different programs and paths for learning. I know that all the options can feel a little fuzzy especially if you’re new to the EMDR world! Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect.
