Author: J&R Psychologists team
First published: 6-11-2024
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique and effective therapy commonly used by several of our psychologists at J&R Clinical Psychologists in Perth to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional psychological therapy, which is often very conversationally based, EMDR involves using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help reduce the emotional impact of painful memories. Since its development in the late 1980s, numerous studies have supported EMDR as an effective approach for processing distressing memories and alleviating symptoms of trauma. Leading mental health organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS), recognise EMDR as a recommended treatment for PTSD. Beyond trauma, research also highlights its benefits for other conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and low self-esteem.
In this Q&A, our Clinical Psychologists and EMDR practitioners at J&R Clinical Psychologists, explain how EMDR works, what you can expect from a session, and who may benefit most from this approach.
Q. What is EMDR therapy, and how does it differ from traditional talk-based psychological therapy?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and overcome distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on discussing thoughts and feelings to gain insight, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to help reprocess traumatic memories. This approach allows the brain to process painful experiences in a way that reduces their emotional charge. Instead of painful memories feeling vivid, raw and evoking a high level of emotion, memories feel more distant and more manageable. EMDR often requires less verbal processing, making it unique from other therapeutic approaches.
Q. What conditions or issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research has shown that it can be effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, complicated grief, chronic pain, and panic disorders.
Trauma and painful memories, in particular, respond well to EMDR because traumatic memories often remain “stuck” in the brain in a way that feels raw and immediate. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, allowing the brain to file them away in a way that reduces emotional distress and restores a sense of balance. Here are a few types of trauma that we might address with EMDR:
- PTSD
- Generational trauma
- Developmental trauma
- Betrayal trauma
- Emotional trauma
- Medical trauma
For clients in Perth seeking EMDR therapy, our psychologists can help you understand whether this approach might benefit you.
Q. What does a typical EMDR session look like, and how many sessions until I see results?
A typical EMDR session involves discussing a specific distressing memory and identifying the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with it. EMDR sessions are very structured and the psychologist will follow a detailed protocol (set of instructions). Your psychologist then guides you through a series of bilateral stimulations, such as side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact. The number of sessions needed varies, but some clients experience significant improvement in as few as 6 sessions, while others may require more, especially if multiple traumas are involved.
Q. What does EMDR feel like, and is it emotionally intense?
EMDR can be emotionally intense for some people, as it involves actively engaging with distressing memories. However, the therapy is structured in a way that ensures clients feel safe and supported throughout the process. While some strong emotions may surface during a session, clients often report feeling a sense of relief or calm afterward. EMDR therapists are trained to help clients manage these emotions and pace the work to prevent overwhelm.
Q. Why might I experience resistance during an EMDR session?
Resistance during EMDR can occur when the brain is trying to protect you from experiencing painful or uncomfortable emotions. This is a normal part of the healing process and is known as “blocked processing.” Sometimes, the mind may be reluctant to engage with certain memories, which can make processing feel challenging. Our EMDR-trained psychologists are trained to identify and address these blocks, gently helping clients work through resistance and continue with reprocessing at a pace that feels manageable.
Q. Is there anyone that EMDR isn’t suitable for?
EMDR may not be suitable for individuals with certain types of severe dissociative disorders or those who are not yet ready to confront painful memories. At J&R, our psychologists will assess each client’s suitability for EMDR and work to ensure it’s the right fit.
Q. How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
EMDR may be beneficial if you have experienced trauma or difficult events in your life that you feel are continuing to impact you. If you find that traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully addressed your symptoms, EMDR might offer a different path to healing. An initial consultation with one of our EMDR therapists in Perth can help determine if this approach is suitable for you, based on your unique needs and experiences.
Q. I don’t see images in my mind. Will EMDR still work for me?
Not everyone has the ability to clearly visualise images in their mind, a phenomenon known as aphantasia. In EMDR, visualisation is just one of the ways we work with memories. If you don’t see images, there are other ways to process memories that are just as effective. We can focus on physical sensations (smell, touch, sound), emotions, or thoughts that arise related to the memory, and we might use tapping more than eye movements. EMDR is adaptable, and the process can be tailored to work with whatever comes up for you. Rest assured, many people with aphantasia have successfully undergone EMDR and experienced positive results.
Q. What is bilateral stimulation and how does it work?
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a core component of EMDR therapy, involving rhythmic, side-to-side movements or alternating sensory stimulation. The most common type of BLS is guided eye movements, where the client follows the therapist’s finger or another object moving side-to-side. However, BLS can also include tactile stimulations, like tapping on each hand, or auditory cues, like listening to tones that alternate between each ear. BLS is believed to activate both hemispheres of the brain, helping the brain to reprocess and “digest” the memory in a less distressing way. By using BLS, EMDR helps move the memory from a “stuck” emotional response to a more integrated and adaptive perspective. Our Perth psychologists work with clients to find the most comfortable form of BLS, ensuring a supportive and effective experience.
Q. Can EMDR be used in conjunction with other therapies?
Yes, EMDR can be effectively integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). While EMDR focuses on reprocessing past traumatic experiences, other therapies can address current issues, build coping skills, or change unhelpful thought patterns. Using EMDR alongside other therapies allows for a comprehensive treatment approach, addressing both past traumas and present challenges.
If you’re dealing with the effects of trauma or other emotional challenges, EMDR may offer a unique and effective path toward healing. At J&R Clinical Psychologists, our team deliver EMDR in a supportive and compassionate environment, tailored to meet your individual needs. Taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting, but with evidence-based approaches like EMDR, many people find relief and new ways to move forward. If you’re ready to explore how EMDR might help you, our psychologists are here to support you every step of the way.
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