What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique approach to psychotherapy that has been found to be highly effective in treating PTSD. The therapy involves a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation that helps individuals process traumatic memories and emotions in a safe and controlled environment. Through this process, individuals are able to reprocess their trauma in a way that allows them to experience a new sense of resolution and healing.

Effectiveness of EMDR for PTSD

1. Helps individuals access and process traumatic memories

One of the reasons the therapy is so effective is that it helps individuals access and process traumatic memories that may be buried deep within the subconscious mind. These memories may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone, but the eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy can help individuals access these memories and process them in a way that leads to healing and resolution.

2. Negative beliefs and emotions

Another key benefit is that it allows individuals to address not only the trauma itself but also the negative beliefs and emotions that may have developed as a result of the trauma. For example, someone who has experienced a traumatic event may develop a negative belief about themselves, such as feeling they are weak or powerless. The therapy helps individuals identify and reprocess these negative beliefs, replacing them with positive and empowering beliefs instead.

3. Outcome Studies for EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy has been the subject of numerous studies exploring its effectiveness in treating trauma, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. The EMDR Institute reports that more than 30 controlled outcome studies have shown that the therapy is highly effective. In fact, some of these studies have found that as many as 90% of trauma survivors showed no signs of PTSD after just three sessions of EMDR therapy.

4. Experienced significant improvements

Additionally, other studies cited by the EMDR Institute have demonstrated that the majority of participants experienced significant improvements after just six to 12 sessions of EMDR therapy. It’s clear that this form of therapy has the potential to help individuals find relief from the debilitating effects of trauma.

5. The therapy is more effective than CBT

One 2014 research study analyzed 24 randomized controlled trials that support the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for treating trauma. The results of some of these studies suggested that the therapy is more effective than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for trauma, a widely recognized and respected form of therapy. This further highlights the value of EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma.

6. Goal-oriented approach therapy

Moreover, EMDR therapy is a highly structured and goal-oriented approach, which means that individuals who undergo this therapy typically experience rapid progress and results. This can be especially important for individuals who may feel stuck in their healing process or who have tried other therapies without success.

7. Safe and non-invasive approach

EMDR therapy is also a safe and non-invasive approach to trauma recovery. Unlike some other forms of therapy or medication, there are no known negative side effects associated with EMDR therapy, making it a safe and effective option for those who are seeking relief from PTSD symptoms.