EMDR FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a relatively new therapy technique that has shown surprising results in a variety of therapeutical uses. The primary target of EMDR is for cases of trauma. EMDR has also shown effectiveness in depression, anxiety, drug abuse, phobias, and negative self-thoughts, among others.

How does EMDR work?

The power of EMDR comes from its simplicity. As a client, all you do is follow my fingers with your eyes as I move them back and forth and simply notice what you are experiencing. That’s about it. Really. In EMDR, you let your mind heal itself.

It sounds too good to be true.

It does, doesn’t it? To many people, it seems as if EMDR is too simple to work. However, there is a growing body of scientific research that supports EMDR’s effectiveness. The American Psychological Association has also recently approved it as a valid therapeutic treatment. This means that it is no longer simply a technique, but a whole theoretical practice itself; joining the likes of CBT, Narrative Therapy, Psychoanalytic, and so on. The APA’s greenlight essentially acknowledges it as an effective approach to therapy.

How can you be sure it works?

I know because I made sure to have it done on me first, before bringing it to my clients. It’s important to me to always provide you only the best quality counseling. To that end, I always make sure to do my research and ensure that the things I bring into the therapy room are effective and are useful in moving you toward your goals.

Does it work for everyone?

Unfortunately not. While EMDR is effective for many people, like every other therapeutic stance, it does not work for some people. In such a situation, we’ll stop and we will work on what we want to next, together.

So are you hypnotizing me?

No. You’re always in full control as stage hypnosis would have you believe. You are also not in a trance as you would be in hypnotherapy. I won’t make you cluck like a chicken or impersonate Elvis (unless that’s your goal, of course). You are free to start and stop EMDR whenever you wish.

How long does EMDR take?

The actual reprocessing sessions take 90-minutes. Average number of these sessions range in the field of 2 or 3 per targeted symptom. Yes, it seems fast, but there are also preliminary sessions in which I prepare you for EMDR by taking your history and make sure there are no complicating factors. There’s also a follow-up session after the successful resolution of a target which can take anywhere from 1 to 3 sessions on average.

Wait, per targeted symptom?

Yes. Remember that EMDR is a target-based system. That means we target one symptom at a time and move on to the next when it’s resolved to your satisfaction.

What are some unexpected things to expect?

Seemingly unrelated memories coming up
New symptoms being exposed
Intense emotions from relatively benign symptoms
Continued processing between sessions
A brighter outlook on life (Okay, this last one is a given, but it’s not all doom and gloom!)

Do I have to do EMDR if I come see you?

Of course not! I and many of clients still enjoy the traditional approaches to counseling. As I mentioned before, you are always in control and I will honor your wishes to the best of my ability.