What is EMDR Therapy and How Can It Help You?

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma, but it can also be beneficial for other mental health challenges, such as: 

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) 

• Anxiety and panic disorders 

• Depression 

• Grief and loss 

• Phobias 

• Chronic pain 

• Addictions 

Whether you’re dealing with past trauma or present stress, EMDR helps you heal by unlocking the emotional and physical responses tied to painful memories, allowing you to move forward with more peace and resilience. 

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions: Phases and Online Therapy

EMDR therapy is structured into eight phases, but don’t worry—we’ll break it down. The key is that EMDR helps process disturbing experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Here’s a quick look at what to expect in an EMDR session: 

1. Phase 1 Target Sequence Planning: Background is discussed and distressing memories are identified. This will make up the Target Sequencing Plan in preparation for intervention. 

2. Phase 2 Preparation: In this phase, grounding techniques are taught and practiced to build safety during processing and coping strategies between sessions.  

3. Phase 3 Access & Activate: This is where a memory is targeted to be the starting point of what will get processed first. The memory and the beliefs connected to it will be assessed.  

4. Phase 4 Processing: This is the core phase EMDR is known for. There is focused attention on a distressing memory while engaging in some form of eye movement or other bilateral stimulation, such as tapping. 

5. Phase 5 Installation: Negative beliefs are replaced with more positive, empowering ones. 

6. Phase 6 Body Scan: Non-verbal and sensorial memories are identified and released.  

7. Phase 7 Closure: Each session ends by helping the client return to a state of calm. This is done by using the skills learned in Phase 2.  

8. Phase 8 Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, progress will be checked and unresolved issues will be revisited.  

If you’re doing online therapy, don't worry. EMDR can be just as effective remotely. Through technology, bilateral stimulation can be provided through online platforms using specialized applications. Bilateral stimulation can also be administered in a number of other ways, such as tapping, scribbling, ball tossing, and more.  

Who Shouldn’t Use EMDR and Alternatives to Consider 

While EMDR is a powerful tool, it may not be right for everyone. If you're currently experiencing severe dissociation, complex symptoms, instability, or limited access to treatment, a different approach, such as extended resourcing or a restricted protocol, may be necessary. EMDR may also not be ideal for individuals with certain medical conditions. Always talk with your therapist to determine the best treatment for your needs. Lastly, those who wish to engage in more traditional talk therapy may find it challenging to stick with EMDR, which limits verbal processing.  

If EMDR isn't the right fit, there are other therapeutic approaches to consider. Trauma-informed care, like talk therapy, provides a safe environment for discussing difficult emotions and experiences. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is another alternative, where you can process trauma through conversation, body awareness, and understanding the different parts of yourself. 

Final Thoughts 

EMDR is a unique and effective therapy for addressing trauma and other mental health struggles. Many can appreciate the EMDR protocol as it provides structured support and quicker relief compared to talk therapy approaches. EMDR, like any other therapy approach, requires participation, consistency, commitment, patience, and courage to step into the uncomfortable. Ready to find out if EMDR is right for you? Book a free consultation today, and let’s start your healing journey together.