What is EMDR therapy?
Many people have called EMDR “magic” for the rapid, almost unbelievable positive results it produces. Hard, painful feelings you thought you’d have to live with forever suddenly seem to disappear and it’s hard to believe. Of course, EMDR isn’t really magic, but it sure can feel that way…
So what is EMDR? What is it really and how does it work?
First of all, EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR therapy is a widely researched, evidence-based, and neuroscience-informed integrative therapy that reduces distressing symptoms (emotional, mental and physical) that stem from having endured really hard and sometimes potentially traumatic life experiences.
When hard things happen to us — either as kids or as adults — ideally we would have the internal and external resources (meaning the inner abilities and people and supports outside of us) to help us make sense of that hard, overwhelming and painful thing that happened. And sometimes, we do have this. And we’re able to go through that hard experience and still come out okay on the other side.
But when we don’t have those internal and external resources available to help our brain and body process and make sense of the hard scary things we endured, the experience can land in our brain and body as a trauma — an overwhelming experience that negatively impacts our nervous system and our views about ourselves, others, and the world.
Left untreated, those unprocessed experiences can pile up and create a whole host of painful symptoms in our present — acute anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, phobic avoidance of the thing that scares us, relentless fighting with our spouse, terror at getting an email from our boss, etc.
But EMDR can help make those symptoms go away. It can help the old, painful experiences finally get resolved so we can feel at peace.
How does EMDR therapy work?
Using bilateral stimulation (be it eye movements, alternating auditory sounds, or bilateral physical sensations like with EMDR-specific hand buzzers) combined with a specific set of protocols administered by a highly trained EMDR clinician, this particular kind of therapy helps to 1) desensitize traumatic memories (aka: reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memories), 2) reprocess the trauma, allowing the brain to integrate these memories in a healthier way (aka: transform the trauma from a disruptive, unresolved memory into a more manageable and integrated one), and 3) help the brain to move these memories from being easily triggered and causing distress to being stored in a way that they are no longer as intrusive or disturbing (aka: more like other long-term memories).
EMDR, simply put, helps your brain and body do what it naturally wants to do: move towards healing.
Need more information about how and why EMDR works? Here’s a wonderful video from EMDR International Association that further succinctly explains what EMDR is.
Is EMDR effective over telehealth in California or Florida?
Traditionally and largely before March 2020, EMDR was conducted in-person, but necessity and advancements in technology have made it possible to receive this incredibly transformative therapy via telehealth, regardless of where you live.
One of the most common concerns our clients ask about is whether telehealth EMDR is as effective as in-person sessions. Research indicates that EMDR therapy conducted via telehealth is equally effective as in-person therapy. Why? Because the essential elements of EMDR, including the bilateral stimulation mechanism (still possible via products like hand buzzers clients can purchase and/or online platforms that create alternating eye movements, etc) combined with a strong therapeutic relationship with a therapist trained in EMDR protocols, remain intact and powerful through virtual means.
So the bottom line is this: no matter where you live in California or Florida, you can work with a member of our clinical team and have a powerful, transformative EMDR therapy experience.
Also, we invite you to consider this: telehealth EMDR offers a unique advantage compared to in-person sessions: the ability to undergo a powerful therapy in a familiar and comfortable environment—your own home. Often this can feel particularly supportive after intense, emotional sessions because you can just crash on your couch versus having to worry about navigating a parking garage and driving home on the highway to get back to your house…
Not only that but life can be unpredictable; your kiddo comes home sick from school and you can’t leave them to commute across town to your therapy appointment, you get sick and can’t or don’t want to go out in public, there’s traffic on the bridge and you might not make it on time, etc. No matter the life hiccup, telehealth EMDR ensures that your therapeutic journey remains uninterrupted so we can help you resolve those painful symptoms faster.
Finally, if you’re concerned about technical issues when considering telehealth EMDR, we do completely understand that technical issues are a valid concern. But, after four years of conducting EMDR remotely, we’re here to tell you that they’re often easily managed. Our EMDR therapists conduct telehealth sessions use secure, reliable platforms to facilitate smooth and uninterrupted therapy. In the event of technical difficulties, our therapists have protocols in place to quickly address and resolve them, ensuring minimal disruption to your therapeutic process when wifi crashes or storms hit the neighborhood.
Moreover, the flexibility of telehealth means that you can schedule sessions at times that are most convenient for YOU, without the need to factor in travel time. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or those who live in areas where access to specialized therapy and really high quality therapists may be limited. Our goal at Evergreen is to make EMDR therapy as accessible and convenient for you as possible, allowing you to focus solely on your healing journey without the added stress of logistical challenges.
In addition, we offer comprehensive support to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with the telehealth setup. Our team provides thorough guidance on using the technology, troubleshooting common issues, and creating an optimal environment for your sessions. We’re committed to making your telehealth EMDR experience as smooth and effective as possible, so you can fully benefit from this powerful therapy no matter where you are.
What issues can EMDR treat? Can it help me?
Quite honestly the better question is often, “What can’t EMDR treat?” because the list of issues EMDR can help make feel better is, quite frankly, huge.
Below is just a small sample of issues EMDR can help make better. Again, this list is NOT exhaustive; it’s just a sample.
If you have a concern that you’re wondering if EMDR can treat and help make better, please book a complimentary consultation call with our center’s intake director who can answer all your questions about EMDR and if it could be helpful for you. But, for now, read this list below and see if you can see yourself in any of these issues…
- Anxiety: EMDR can reduce symptoms of general anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety.
- Depression: EMDR can alleviate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms.
- Stress: EMDR can reduce stress from daily life, work, or specific situations.
- Burnout Prevention: EMDR can help manage the symptoms of burnout, enabling sustained high performance and well-being.
- Imposter Syndrome: EMDR can reduce feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, fostering greater self-assurance in professional settings.
- Self-Esteem Issues: EMDR can improve feelings of self-worth and confidence in all aspects of life beyond work.
- Anger Management: EMDR can help control and reduce excessive anger.
- Performance Anxiety: EMDR can reduce anxiety related to performing in sports, arts, or other areas.
- Relationship Problems: EMDR can help resolve conflicts and improve relationships.
- Phobias: EMDR can treat intense fears of specific objects or situations (e.g., flying, heights, spiders).
- Panic Attacks: EMDR can help manage sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and physical symptoms.
- Grief and Loss: EMDR can ease the emotional pain associated with losing a loved one.
- Addictions: EMDR can support recovery from substance abuse and other addictive behaviors.
- Sleep Disturbances: EMDR can address issues like insomnia and nightmares.
- Prior Traumas: EMDR can help heal emotional scars from past sexual abuse, address distress from medical procedures, and heal wounds from adverse childhood experiences.
And, did you know that EMDR isn’t just incredible for resolving pain? It’s also remarkable for Performance Improvement. EMDR can enhance performance in areas such as sports, academics, pitching investors, public speaking, and professional activities by reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
For more information on how EMDR and Evergreen Counseling can move you from pain to peace with each of these issue areas, be sure to explore our individual issue pages below so you can glimpse what’s possible for you…
EMDR works wonders for a variety of clinical issues.
Click through each page to see how EMDR and Evergreen Counseling can take you from pain to peace.
- Anxiety
- Attachment Trauma
- Betrayal Trauma
- Birth Trauma
- Childhood Trauma
- Complex Trauma
- C-PTSD
- Depression
- Developmental Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Abuse
- First Gen Trauma
- First Responder Trauma
- Gaslighting
- Grief and Mourning
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Medical Trauma
- Military/Combat Trauma
- Narcissistic Abuse
- OCD
- Pre- and Post-Natal Trauma
- PTSD
- Racial Trauma
- Relational Trauma
- Relationship Strain
- Religious & Spiritual Trauma
- Sexual Trauma
- Vicarious Trauma
- And more...
Still have questions about starting EMDR with us? We have answers.
Absolutely! The majority of our staff is ALSO licensed to practice in Florida so while we as a center (and our clinicians) aren't physically located in Florida, as long as you're located in Florida, because of our telehealth certificates, we're allowed to work with you!
As long as your other therapist is a general talk therapist and not treating you with EMDR therapy, you can absolutely see both providers at the same time. In fact, this is called adjunctive EMDR work. Meaning, that when and if you need EMDR to support your clinical work with your regular talk therapist, clients can come to us for intensive EMDR treatment to help you move through “stuck” places in your clinical work. We’re also happy to collaborate care with your regular therapist when you come to see us for talk therapy so you can get two sets of clinical eyes on your case for the best care possible.
The short answer? It depends. The longer, more nuanced answer? The duration of EMDR therapy varies significantly from person to person. On average, it involves 12 to 14 sessions. However, the exact number of sessions depends on several factors, including the complexity and severity of the issues you’re addressing, your personal history, and how you respond to the therapy. For single traumatic events, fewer sessions might be needed, while more complex or multiple traumas might require a longer treatment period. Some clients may see progress quickly, while others might need additional sessions to achieve their therapy goals. Your EMDR therapist will help you understand what a reasonable timeframe is once you begin working together and they have a thorough sense of your clinical history and case.
Yes, EMDR therapy is safe. It’s been extensively researched and is recommended by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating trauma and PTSD.
EMDR doesn’t necessarily help you remember every detail of a trauma. Instead, it helps you process the emotions and symptoms related to the trauma. Sometimes, clients may remember more details, but it’s not required for healing to occur.
No, you don’t have to talk about your trauma in detail. One of the benefits of EMDR is that it helps you process traumatic memories without needing to discuss them extensively. This can make it easier for people who find it hard to talk about their experiences.
EMDR therapy might be right for you if you’re dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health issues. It’s particularly helpful if traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked for you or if you have difficulty talking about your trauma. Our EMDR therapists at Evergreen Counseling can help assess if EMDR is suitable for you.
EMDR therapy consists of eight phases:
1. History Taking: Gathering background information and identifying target memories.
2. Preparation: Establishing coping strategies and building a trusting relationship.
3. Assessment: Identifying specific memories and associated negative beliefs.
4. Desensitization: Reprocessing the traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation.
5. Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
6. Body Scan: Checking for residual physical distress related to the trauma.
7. Closure: Ensuring you feel stable and safe after each session.
8. Reevaluation: Assessing progress and planning further treatment if needed.
During an EMDR memory reprocessing session at Evergreen Counseling, you’ll focus on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. Your therapist will guide you through recalling the distressing memory to help you process it and reduce its emotional impact.
Some clients may experience temporary side effects such as increased distress or vivid dreams as they process traumatic memories. However, these effects are usually short-lived. Our EMDR therapists at Evergreen Counseling will help you manage any discomfort and ensure you feel safe throughout the process and in between sessions.
After an EMDR session, you might feel tired or emotionally drained, but many clients also feel a sense of relief and reduced distress. It’s important to take care of yourself and give yourself time to process the session.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be effective for teens dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues. It’s adapted to be age-appropriate, and our EMDR therapists at Evergreen Counseling have experience working with clients ages 13 and up.
If you have trouble with eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, our therapists can use alternatives such as tapping or auditory tones. We’ll find the method that works best for you to ensure effective treatment. All methods are equally effective and can be tailored to your comfort.
You don’t need to do much to prepare for your first EMDR session. Just come with an open mind and be ready to discuss your history and current concerns. Your EMDR therapist will guide you through the rest.
If you get overwhelmed during a session, your therapist will help you use coping strategies and grounding techniques to stabilize. The goal is to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
It depends on your individual needs. Some clients benefit from continuing traditional talk therapy alongside EMDR, while others focus solely on EMDR. Your EMDR therapist at Evergreen Counseling can help you decide the best approach for your treatment.
Research shows that EMDR therapy has a high success rate, especially for treating PTSD. Studies have found significant symptom reduction in a majority of clients. The effectiveness of EMDR is well-documented in clinical trials and research studies.
There are many misconceptions about there about whether or not it's possible to do EMDR while pregnant so, first of all, it's normal and natural to ask this question. And to answer this question, yes, most of the time, most birthing individuals can can safely undergo EMDR therapy while pregnant. Indeed, it can be very beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and any historical trauma that may be present that's leading to a more distressing pregnancy experience. However, at Evergreen Counseling, we also believe it's crucial for us to also get sign-off from your OB before we begin this process so we can be as responsible and diligent as possible. Of course, we'll work with you to evaluate your unique situation to evaluate whether or not pursuing EMDR while pregnant is possible and we'll help you get sign off from your OB to do it.
You’ll know your EMDR therapy is complete when you no longer feel distress related to the traumatic memories and have achieved your therapy goals. Your therapist will regularly evaluate your progress and help determine when you’re ready to conclude therapy.
What if I’m Not Ready?
If you don’t feel quite ready to book a complimentary consult call yet, that’s completely fine.
We don’t want you to feel pressured and we know that the choice to seek out therapy can feel difficult.
Part of you wants to do it, and another part of you is, perhaps, scared to begin because of the feelings you might have to finally feel.
Or a part of you questions whether or not you can even be helped at all.
Whatever the reason, no matter how ready or not ready you feel to begin therapy, we want you to have the information you need to make an informed choice.
So, to that end, please explore the additional information below to learn more about us and how we can help you.
We’ll be here whenever you’re ready to reach out for support.
