The EMDR Process and Possible Side Effects
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a psychotherapy treatment that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences.
EMDR can help with many issues stemming from traumatic life events like abuse, accidents, loss of a loved one, or combat. It is effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. The treatment helps shift negative thoughts about yourself into more positive and realistic ones. EMDR may sound strange, but numerous studies show it can rapidly improve symptoms and create long-lasting changes.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Treatment
The EMDR process typically involves eight phases of treatment. First phase, your therapist takes your history and assesses your readiness for EMDR. In the second phase, they help you identify a target memory to work on and the negative and positive beliefs associated with it.
In the third phase, your therapist will lead you through guided visualizations to help desensitize you to the memory. This involves recalling the memory while moving your eyes back and forth, following their fingers. After a set of eye movements, they'll ask you what you experienced. This process continues until your memory no longer elicits a strong negative emotional response.
In the fourth phase, they will help you identify a positive belief to replace the negative belief associated with your memory. The fifth to seventh phases involve testing and strengthening this positive belief through more sets of eye movements.
In the final, eighth phase, your therapist reassesses your progress and you evaluate your work together. For many clients, EMDR is an ongoing process that requires multiple sessions to work through traumatic memories and instill positive beliefs. But with dedication, it can be highly effective with overcoming PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
Benefits of EMDR
One of the biggest benefits of EMDR therapy is its ability to process traumatic memories. EMDR helps reduce the vividness and emotion of painful memories, making them less distressing. You may find that thoughts of the traumatic event no longer trigger strong emotional reactions or feelings of panic.
EMDR can also help replace painful memories with more positive thoughts and emotions. The therapy aims to help you gain new insights into yourself and the event, changing how you view yourself and the experience. You can develop a healthier perspective and feel more at peace.
Some additional advantages include:
It's a short-term therapy, typically requiring fewer sessions than other trauma-focused treatments.
It does not require you to openly share difficult memories in detail, which some find less distressing.
It can enhance your confidence and self-esteem by overcoming painful past events.
The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR may help unlock memories and facilitate processing.
Possible Side Effects of EMDR
Increased Vividness of Traumatic Memories
During and after EMDR sessions, memories of the traumatic events can feel more vivid and intense. This is a normal reaction as your brain reprocesses the events. The memories should become less distressing over the course of treatment.
Heightened Emotions
EMDR can bring up a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, anger, guilt and shame. Releasing these pent-up emotions is integral to the healing process, though it can be difficult. Your EMDR therapist will help you work through these feelings.
Fatigue
Processing traumatic memories and difficult emotions during EMDR sessions can be mentally and physically tiring. Schedule time for extra rest and self-care, especially in the days following a session. Staying hydrated, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule will help minimize fatigue and support the EMDR process.
Headaches
Some people experience headaches following EMDR treatment. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can relieve EMDR-related headaches. Applying a cool compress to your head or neck may also help. Be sure to tell your EMDR therapist about any side effects you experience so they can determine the appropriate treatment approach.
If you're struggling with trauma, EMDR may be right for you. Reach out today for further information.
