Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

In my practice, when someone requests to become a client, nine times out of ten that individual is looking for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). If you’re not sure what EMDR is, you can read my previous blog post discussing what I love about EMDR here.  

While new clients often express interest in using EMDR as their primary therapeutic modality in our work together, many aren’t familiar with much beyond the fact that it has been found to be an effective way to treat trauma - and that’s totally fine! When I begin working with someone who is wanting EMDR, we spend a fair amount of time reviewing all the necessary information, but for those of you who are curious to learn more before reaching out to an EMDR trained clinician, keep reading as I answer some of my most commonly asked questions. 

1. Do we start processing traumatic material right away?  

No, especially not if you are a new client and we don't have an established therapeutic relationship. 

As with other psychotherapy or counselling modalities, safety within the therapeutic relationship is essential, and EMDR is no exception.  Our first few appointments will focus on conducting an assessment, building safety in our relationship, and collaborating on a unique treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. EMDR asks clients to have one foot in the past (traumatic memory), and one foot in the present, which can be intense. Before we begin to process any traumatic experiences, we will work together to ensure that you have strategies and tools in place to manage that intensity so that you are able to manage the intensity and feel well supported.

2. What does “processing” mean in EMDR?

After experiencing something emotionally overwhelming, or traumatic, you may continue to experience anxiety, fear, and/or a variety of other experiences that may interfere with daily life.

Processing refers to reducing the emotional and physical charge linked to that experience, and helping the brain to integrate the experience in a more adaptive way. 

For example, if you had been in a car accident and are now anxious when you have to drive and feel nauseous, we would work to bring those experiences as close to neutral as we can. Our goal would be that you reach a point where you can drive agin without feeling nauseous and anxious. Traumatic experiences change how we think about ourselves, others, or/and the world in general, so we will also look at how this experience changed your beliefs, and work to change that belief into something more balanced. 

3. Do I have to talk about my experience in great detail?

No, you don’t have to share in detail if you don’t want to, but you are also welcome to share if that's what feels most helpful to you.  EMDR is much less talk-based than many other therapy approaches. The goal is to engage the brain’s natural processing system using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, buzzers, tapping, sounds) to help un-stick that experience and resolve the experiences and beliefs created by that experience.

I often describe it as being on a train - we start at the “unprocessed” station, and want to get to the “processed” station at the opposite end of the line. If we get off at every single stop between the unprocessed and processed station to talk in detail it slows the journey.  

This doesn’t meant that we don’t talk at all. Earlier stages of treatment are still talk-focused.

For some people, it is really important that details are shared and discussed - if this is the case we can tailor the sessions to match your needs while still preserving the effectiveness of EMDR.

4. Is EMDR only effective for trauma?

No!  EMDR has been found to be effective to treat a large variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

-Anxiety

-Substance Use

-Prolonged Grief

-Eating Disorders

-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

-Chronic Pain

5. If we start EMDR, is that all we ever do in session?

No, EMDR is most effective when consistently working towards resolution of an experience, however life can be unexpected and other goals may take priority at times. If we had planned to do EMDR but something else comes up that takes precedent, we can absolutely pivot. 

More questions?

Feel free to reach out and book a consultation if you are interested in working together, or you can check out the EMDR International Organization’s website here, where there’s lots of great information and resources.