Trauma can have a huge impact on our lives, and sometimes it feels like it just won’t go away, no matter how hard we try. That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy comes in. At Olson Counseling Services, I specialize in EMDR Intensive therapy, helping people in Florida and Wisconsin heal from trauma and reclaim their lives. But what exactly is EMDR, and how does it work? Let’s break it down!
What is EMDR and How Does It Work?
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a way to help people process and heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. It’s a little different from traditional talk therapy because it uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while recalling a traumatic memory. This helps the brain “reprocess” the memory, making it less painful and easier to manage.
The brain naturally knows how to heal, but sometimes trauma gets in the way of that process. EMDR works by essentially resetting how your brain deals with those stuck memories. In fact, studies have shown that EMDR can reduce symptoms of PTSD faster than traditional therapy.
According to a 2014 study, people who went through EMDR saw big improvements in their PTSD symptoms in a shorter time than with regular talk therapy. That’s pretty amazing!
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR isn’t just for people with major trauma. It’s a great option for anyone dealing with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Here’s who it might help:
PTSD sufferers: Veterans, survivors of abuse, or people who’ve been through accidents or disasters.
Those with anxiety or panic attacks: Many people report feeling less anxious after just a few EMDR sessions.
People struggling with depression: EMDR can help lighten the emotional burden that often comes with depression.
Adults dealing with childhood trauma: EMDR is a powerful tool for processing deep emotional wounds from childhood neglect or trauma.
If you’re feeling stuck, EMDR can be a game-changer in helping you heal and move forward.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
An EMDR session is structured in eight phases, but don’t worry, your therapist will walk you through everything. Here’s what to expect:
1. History & Treatment Planning: You and your therapist will talk through your experiences and make a plan to tackle the most troubling memories.
2. Preparation: You’ll learn some relaxation techniques to make sure you feel safe and supported throughout.
3. Assessment: You’ll identify specific emotions or negative beliefs tied to your trauma.
4. Desensitization: This is where the bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) comes in while you focus on the memory.
5. Installation: You’ll replace negative beliefs with more positive, empowering ones.
6. Body Scan: You’ll check in with your body to see if any tension or distress remains.
7. Closure: At the end of each session, you’ll do grounding exercises to help you leave feeling calm.
8. Reevaluation: Your therapist will review how things are going and tweak the plan if needed.
Most people start to feel relief after just a few sessions, but it varies. And if you’re looking for a faster route to healing, EMDR intensives—where sessions are done over a few days—might be the perfect fit.
---
Key Takeaways about EMDR Therapy:
EMDR helps heal trauma by reprocessing painful memories, making them less distressing.
It’s structured but flexible: Your therapist will guide you through each step at your own pace.
It works quickly: Many people see significant improvements in fewer sessions than traditional therapy, and EMDR intensives can speed up the healing process.
---
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will EMDR work for me?
A: While EMDR is highly effective for many people, it’s not a magic fix for everyone. Some might need a combination of therapies to get the best results.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This depends on the individual, but most people start to see real progress after 6-12 sessions. EMDR intensives can speed things up for those who prefer a quicker approach.
Q: Can I do EMDR virtually?
A: Yes! EMDR works just as well over telehealth, which is great for people in both Florida and Wisconsin who prefer to stay home or are too far for in-person sessions.
Q: What’s the difference between regular EMDR therapy and an EMDR Intensive?
A: Regular EMDR sessions are spread out, while intensives pack the work into a shorter timeframe (like a few hours over several days). It’s a great option if you’re looking to see results faster.
---
Sources for More Info:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): https://www.emdria.org
Meta-Analysis of EMDR and PTSD Treatment Effectiveness: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
Study on EMDR for Anxiety and Depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6219641/
---
If you're ready to give EMDR therapy a try, Olson Counseling Services is here to help! I offer EMDR Intensive therapy via Telehealth for individuals in both Florida and Wisconsin, and I'm just a call away at 904-551-4286. You can also complete the Contact Form to learn more or book your first consultation. Healing is possible, and I'm here to guide you through it!
Comments