FAQ

Each case is different, but generally there is a standard eight phase approach that therapists follow. This includes taking a complete history, preparing client, identifying target memories and their components, actively processing the past, present and future aspects, and evaluation all through. The processing of a target disturbing memories includes the use of dual stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or hearing tones) while the client concentrates on different aspects. After each set of bilateral-stimulation, the client briefly describes to the clinician what has been experienced. At the end of each session, the client uses relaxation techniques taught by the clinician in order to leave the session feeling in control. At the end of EMDR therapy, previously disturbing memories and present situations should not be problematic any longer; moreover, new healthy responses become the norm.

Anyone who has experienced a distressing incident, but have not recovered from. Often these people have one or more of the following symptoms in varying degrees: excess stress/tension, feeling “stuck”, anxiety, depression, restlessness, sleep problems, fatigue, appetite disturbances, and prolonged physical health concerns despite treatment. In more severe cases: flashbacks, panic attacks, obsessions, compulsions, nightmares, eating disorder, and suicidal tendencies. In terms of physical health, EMDR is also a wonderful technique to help with the healing of any physical health concern. The studies to date show a high degree of EMDR effectiveness with the following conditions: – Loss of a loved one – Injury of a loved one – Anxiety and panic – Fear – Work accident – Assault – Bad temper – Phobias – Relationship problems – Depression – Panic attacks – Witness to violence – Stage fright – Victims of violent crimes – Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – Brooding or worrying – Child abuse – Personal injury – Car accident – Rape – Fire – Childhood trauma – Physical abuse – Sexual abuse – Trauma – Robbery – Overwhelming fears – Illness – Low self-esteem – Natural disasters – Performance anxiety – Trouble sleeping

EMDR Therapy should only be administered by experienced psychotherapists specifically trained in EMDR; that is, they should have, at least, the Certificate of Completion of the “Basic EMDR Training Course”. These psychotherapists should have a Master’s degree or more in psychology, counseling, or psychiatry. They also should have a minimum 2 years’ experience after the Master’s degree in providing psychotherapy services.

You need to ask the therapist:
1. Whether they have received both levels of “Basic EMDR Training Course”, levels 1 & 2.
2. If the training was approved by EMDRIA, EMDR Institute, Trauma Recovery: HAP EMDR, or EMDR Europe.
3. If they were kept informed of the latest protocols and developments.
4. How many cases have they have treated with similar problems/disorders.
5. What was their success rate.

Although “eye movements” are often considered its most distinctive element, it is not the only way for EMDR therapy. A variety of other bilateral stimulation like hand-tapping and auditory stimulation are often used. The use of such alternate stimuli has been an integral part of the EMDR protocol for many years now.

No, it’s not. Depending on the severity of the trauma, or the disturbing memory (or memories), the number of sessions required to alleviate the symptoms and the negative emotional effects can vary. Clients with multiple traumas and/or complex histories of neglect, childhood abuse, and poor attachment may require more extensive therapy, including substantial preparatory work of EMDR.

This depends upon the client’s ability to ‘self-soothe’ and use a variety of relaxation techniques to decrease potential distress. The clinician usually teaches the client these techniques during the preparation phase. The amount of preparation needed will vary from one client to another. In most instances, the active processing of memories begins after one or two sessions.

In most cases they are. The more comprehensive the treatment approach (i.e. treatment includes all life history), the more durable are the results.

As with any form of psychotherapy, there might be a temporary increase in distress. Some unresolved or distressing memories may emerge during session or in between sessions. In some cases, clients may have unanticipated for reactions (emotional or physiological) during treatment sessions, but these can be handled by the therapist and are part of the healing process. The brain continues to work on healing even in between sessions, so it’s not surprising for dreams and other memories and feelings to emerge.

No, it’s not. Several studies found EMDR superior in outcome to placebo treatments, and to treatments not specifically validated for PTSD. EMDR has even outperformed active listening, standard outpatient care consisting of individual cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic therapy; in addition to relaxation training with biofeedback. EMDR was found to be relatively equivalent to CBT therapies in seven randomized clinical trials comparing the two approaches.

EMDR contains many effective components of most other therapies: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, experiential, physiological, and interactional therapies. All of these contribute to EMDR’s effectiveness because different types of treatment will weaken different responses, but EMDR includes most (e.g. imagery, cognition, affect, somatic sensation, and related memories). Different clients with the same diagnosis may have heightened responses in a specific way, so EMDR targets all responses simultaneously.

Many people don’t necessarily relive it intensely like in other therapies, while others feel it to a greater degree. In EMDR, when the experience is of high intensity it only lasts for a few moments and then decreases fast. If it does not decrease rapidly on its own, the therapist uses techniques to assist it to dissipate. The client would have also been trained in relaxation techniques to immediately relieve the distress.