What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
If you’ve been living with the effects of trauma, PTSD, or Complex PTSD (CPTSD), you may have heard about EMDR therapy. It’s one of the most researched and widely endorsed trauma treatments available, and yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. This blog answers the questions people ask most about EMDR: what it is, how it works, what to expect in a session, and whether it might be right for you.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is used in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD. It is a specialised form of therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, eye movement, tapping, or audio beeps, while the individual thinks about their trauma. It is different from traditional talk therapy and requires specialized training.
Does EMDR Really Work for Trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD?
Yes. EMDR does work in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD. Studies have shown that it relieves the symptoms of trauma, and once a traumatic memory has been processed, it typically does not cause the individual significant distress again.
EMDR is recognised by leading mental health organisations around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
In Canada, the Canadian Psychological Association recognises EMDR as an evidence-based treatment, as do many trauma programmes and mental health clinics. Veterans Affairs Canada also funds EMDR therapy.
What Happens During an EMDR Therapy Session?
An initial meeting occurs to determine whether EMDR is appropriate for a client. Once that decision has been made, EMDR starts with history taking. A complete history includes a discussion of life events for every year between 0 and 18 years of age, and all major life events after eighteen years. At the conclusion of history taking, a trauma plan is developed in consultation with the client. Before processing a memory, time is spent developing supportive resources for the client, which will be used during processing.
During a processing session, the client is asked standard questions to activate the memory before bilateral stimulation is used. The client then thinks about the memory for a brief period of time, less than a minute, while either moving their eyes from side to side, listening to alternating audio beeps, or tapping on alternate sides of the body. The client is then asked to report what is coming up for them. Once reporting what is coming up, the bilateral stimulation continues. The overall goal of EMDR is to be able to say: “that was bad, and I am okay.”
Can EMDR Make Trauma Worse Before It Gets Better?
EMDR does not make the trauma worse. However, it does stir up memories and emotions which can feel like the trauma is getting worse. It is very important that the client is equipped with the necessary tools to manage the increase in emotions and memories that may occur between sessions.
How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?
EMDR is not a short-term therapy or a quick fix. A therapist cannot tell you how many sessions will be required at the onset of EMDR. In fact, caution should be exercised if a therapist tells you how many sessions it will take when they don’t know you or your trauma history.
How Do I Know if EMDR Is Right for Me?
If you have experienced a traumatic incident or incidents, or have a diagnosis of PTSD or CPTSD, then EMDR is a good option. You do not need these diagnoses for EMDR to be appropriate. Working with your therapist, you will determine whether EMDR is a good fit. If you have tried other forms of therapy without success, EMDR may work for you.
What Are the Side Effects of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR requires you to think about your trauma in a different way. Side effects can include fatigue, vivid dreams, increased intrusive memories, and increased emotionality, including crying, irritability, sadness, anger, and moments of relief or calm. The presence of side effects, or the absence of them, is not an indication of EMDR’s effectiveness.
EMDR vs CPT: Which Therapy Is Better for Trauma?
Both forms of therapy, EMDR and CPT (a specialised form of CBT for trauma), have their pros and cons. This is a decision best made in consultation with a therapist. Both forms of therapy have studies that support their effectiveness. Annette Poechman is a Certified EMDR Therapist and a recognised CPT Provider.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About EMDR Therapy
There is a great deal of misinformation about EMDR. Here are the most common myths, and the truth behind them:
- Myth: EMDR erases your memories.
- Truth: EMDR reduces the emotional impact of memories and does not erase them entirely.
- Myth: You have to relive your trauma.
- Truth: EMDR requires you to think about your trauma and its impact, not fixate on each individual detail.
- Myth: EMDR is a mind control technique.
- Truth: EMDR is not hypnosis. You are awake and in control and can stop at any time.
- Myth: EMDR works in one session.
- Truth: EMDR typically requires more than one session. Relief can be experienced in one session, but full processing takes longer.
- Myth: EMDR is dangerous.
- Truth: EMDR is safe and effective when used by a trained or certified provider.
- Myth: EMDR is for severe trauma only.
- Truth: EMDR can be used for “small t” trauma such as bullying or neglect, or for single-incident traumas like a car accident or workplace trauma.
- Myth: You have to remember every detail of your trauma for EMDR to work.
- Truth: You do not need to remember or recount every detail of your trauma for EMDR to work.
- Myth: Anyone can provide EMDR therapy.
- Truth: EMDR requires specialised training. Certification requires additional supervision, training, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
How Do I Find a Qualified EMDR Therapist in Ontario?
To find a qualified EMDR therapist in Ontario, visit EMDR Canada’s therapist directory or EMDRIA’s therapist finder. On both sites you will find a list of trained therapists and certified therapists. A certified therapist is required to complete additional training and supervision, and to participate in ongoing training yearly.
Annette Poechman is a Certified EMDR Therapist. You can verify her certification directly on the EMDRIA therapist directory.
Working with a Certified EMDR Therapist in Ontario
If you are living with the effects of trauma, PTSD, or CPTSD and want to understand whether EMDR therapy might be right for you, Annette Poechman is here to help. She is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified EMDR Therapist based in Hamilton, Ontario, with over 25 years of experience. She is currently accepting new clients and offers a free 15-minute consultation with no obligation.
You don’t need to have it figured out before you reach out. Reach out to book your free consultation and take the first step.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
