EMDR Therapy: Benefits and Risks
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.
EMDR is psychotherapy that helps people heal from symptoms of emotional and physical distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. EMDR therapy reduces psychological distress by reformulating negative beliefs into positive beliefs, and reducing negative body sensations. Francine Shapiro (1995, 2001), Founder of EMDR Therapy, states that this Adaptive Information Processing Model is “thought to result in complete information processing, new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and development of cognitive insights.”
This innovative approach combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with bilateral stimulation to help individuals process distressing memories and alleviate associated symptoms. While EMDR offers promising benefits, it's essential to understand its potential risks and limitations. Let's delve deeper into the benefits and risks of EMDR therapy.
Benefits of EMDR
Efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of EMDR therapy is its efficiency. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may take months or even years to produce noticeable results, EMDR often yields significant improvements in a relatively short period. Many individuals report symptom relief after just a few sessions.
Trauma Resolution: EMDR is particularly effective in treating trauma-related disorders such as PTSD. By targeting distressing memories and facilitating their adaptive processing, EMDR helps individuals to integrate these experiences into their autobiographical memory, reducing the emotional charge associated with them.
Minimal Exposure: Unlike exposure-based therapies that require individuals to vividly recount traumatic events, EMDR minimizes the need for detailed narrative exposure. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to verbalize their traumatic experiences.
Holistic Approach: EMDR therapy addresses not only the symptoms of trauma but also the underlying cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes contributing to those symptoms. By targeting various aspects of the individual's experience, EMDR promotes comprehensive healing and resilience.
Versatility: While EMDR is commonly associated with PTSD treatment, its applications extend beyond trauma. It has shown promise in addressing a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain.
Risks of EMDR
Initial Discomfort: Some individuals may experience initial discomfort or distress when engaging in EMDR therapy, particularly as they confront and process traumatic memories.
Intense Emotions: EMDR therapy can evoke intense emotions as individuals revisit traumatic experiences. While this emotional activation is a natural part of the healing process, it may overwhelm some individuals, necessitating careful pacing of the therapy sessions.
Recommended Resources for EMDR
EMDR Self-Care Ideas
EMDR Self Soothing Techniques
EMDR for Trauma
About EMDR
Experiencing EMDR
EMDR and PTSD
Recent EMDR Research
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
This blog post was written by Kim Ostrander, MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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