A Seed of Hope Family Counseling Center has clinicians that are trained in EMDR.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people recover from distressing life experiences. It can be effective for symptoms like anxiety, guilt, anger, depression, panic attacks, sleep problems, and flashbacks that often follow trauma. Research shows that EMDR therapy not only reduces these symptoms, but the improvements are often long-lasting.
What EMDR Means
Although EMDR was originally named for the use of eye movements, experts now understand that the benefits come from stimulating both sides of the brain in an alternating pattern. This can be done through guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or alternating sounds.
- Desensitization means reducing the emotional intensity of a painful memory.
- Reprocessing means replacing harmful beliefs tied to that memory with healthier, more positive ones.
When EMDR May Help
EMDR can address both major traumatic events (“big T” trauma)—such as combat, sexual assault, or the death of a loved one—and ongoing or less obvious traumas (“little t” trauma) like repeated negative messages in childhood that damage self-worth.
It is a focused and sometimes emotionally intense approach, so it may not be suitable for individuals who are not ready to process distressing emotions. A trained EMDR therapist will complete a thorough assessment before including EMDR in a treatment plan.
Examples of concerns EMDR may help treat:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Complicated grief
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Sexual abuse recovery
- Addictions
- Dissociative disorders
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic pain, including phantom limb pain
- Self-esteem and confidence building
What Happens in a Session?
During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you to focus on a troubling memory or feeling while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as following moving fingers with your eyes, receiving alternating taps, or hearing alternating tones).
The process is unique to each person—sometimes past events surface, sometimes current triggers become clearer. While the memory may feel intense at first, the emotional charge often fades, making it easier to move forward.
Why Process Painful Memories?
Avoiding distressing memories can keep them emotionally powerful. In EMDR, you can revisit them in a safe environment, process them, and release their hold. This helps transform how the memory is stored in your brain, allowing you to remember without reliving the emotional pain.
Your Role in EMDR
You are always in control during EMDR. You can pause or stop at any time, and you choose how much to share with your therapist. Because EMDR involves specific protocols, it is essential that your therapist is formally trained in the method.
After a Session
Processing may continue for several days or weeks. You might experience vivid dreams, new insights, or strong emotions. These are part of the healing process, but if distress increases, you should contact your therapist promptly. Over time, as symptoms lessen, sessions may shift toward building new coping strategies and life skills.
How Long Does EMDR Take?
The number of sessions needed depends on the nature of your concerns, your history, and your ability to tolerate intense emotions. Some clients notice improvement in a single session; others require weeks, months, or more.
CITATION: All information to include video was taken from the EMDRIA website, please see below:
EMDRIA-EMDR International Association, EMDRIA, 1995-2022, https://www.emdria.org/publications-resources/practice-resources/coronavirus-clinical-resources/.