EMDR THERAPY
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help people cope with traumatic memories and emotional disturbances. It was developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in the late 1980s and is based on the idea that traumatic memories can be processed and "digested" by the brain using eye movements, sounds, or taps. EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored in the brain differently than other types of memories, and that eye movements or bilateral stimulation help to "unblock" these memories so that they can be processed and integrated into the individual's overall life experience. During EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the patient through a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps while the patient focuses on a traumatic memory. The theory is that the movement stimulates the brain's natural healing process and helps the patient to process and integrate the traumatic memory. EMDR is considered a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions related to traumatic experiences.
What Is The Evidence For EMDR?
EMDR has been extensively researched and has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. Please click here to see a short list of recent research citations.
A number of randomized controlled trials have shown that EMDR is as effective as or more effective than other forms of treatment for PTSD. Meta-analyses of these studies have also found EMDR to be a promising treatment for PTSD, with a high degree of effect size. See below for article references.
EMDR has also been found to be effective in treating a wide range of other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and even physical conditions such as chronic pain. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of EMDR in treating these conditions is not as strong as it is for PTSD.
Overall, EMDR is a well-researched and evidence-based therapy that is considered to be an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions, particularly PTSD.
What can an in-person or online EMDR therapist help with?
EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) EMDR therapy is a well-established and evidence-based treatment for PTSD, and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
Anxiety Disorders: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Depression: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Phobias: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating specific phobias, such as fear of flying, fear of public speaking, and fear of heights.
Chronic Pain: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in reducing the severity of chronic pain, as well as associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Substance Abuse: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating individuals with a history of substance abuse, as well as reducing cravings and reducing the risk of relapse.
What Are The Benefits Of EMDR Therapy in Surrey & Langley?
EMDR therapy has been found to offer a number of benefits, including:
Rapid Symptom Relief: EMDR therapy has been found to provide rapid relief from symptoms associated with trauma and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Long-Lasting Results: The results of EMDR therapy tend to be long-lasting, and many clients report that they continue to see improvement even after therapy has ended.
Non-Invasive: EMDR therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require the use of medication or other medical procedures.
Addresses the Root Cause: EMDR therapy addresses the root cause of the symptoms, rather than simply treating the symptoms themselves. This helps to prevent the symptoms from returning in the future.
Easy to Learn: EMDR therapy is relatively easy to learn, and many clients find that they can begin to see improvement after only a few sessions.
Can Be Used In Combination With Other Treatments: EMDR therapy can be used in combination with other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Empowers the client: EMDR therapy empowers the client to take an active role in their own healing, and to develop new coping strategies for managing their symptoms.
It is Safe: EMDR therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals who have experienced trauma and other mental health conditions.
It's important to note that EMDR therapy should not be used as the sole treatment for any mental health condition, and that it may be necessary to use other treatments in combination with EMDR therapy, such as medication and/or psychotherapy. It's also important to mention that the effectiveness of EMDR therapy may vary depending on the client's specific situation and needs.
How does EMDR therapy with an EMDR therapist in Surrey or online work?
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories are stored in the brain differently than other types of memories, and that these traumatic memories can be "unblocked" through the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or tones.
During an EMDR session, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or tones, to help the client focus on the traumatic memory while the brain processes the memory in a new way. The idea is that the bilateral stimulation helps to activate the memory and allows the brain to process it in a new way, reducing the negative emotional impact of the memory.
The therapist will also work with the client to identify any negative thoughts or beliefs that are associated with the traumatic memory, and to replace them with more positive and adaptive thoughts and beliefs.
EMDR therapy is thought to work by helping the brain to "unblock" the traumatic memory, allowing the client to process and integrate the memory in a healthy way, and by helping the client to develop new coping strategies and to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with the traumatic event.
It’s good to remember that EMDR therapy is not a one-time process, it may require multiple sessions to fully process the traumatic memories and to see the full benefits of the therapy.
What Happens In Online EMDR Therapy or in-person in Surrey BC?
EMDR therapy is a multi-phase treatment that typically includes the following steps:
History taking: The therapist will gather information about the client's traumatic event, as well as any related symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors that are currently affecting the client.
Preparation: The therapist will provide the client with information about EMDR therapy and help them to develop coping strategies to use during and after the session.
Assessment: The therapist will help the client to identify the specific traumatic memory that will be targeted during the session. The therapist will also work with the client to identify any related negative thoughts or beliefs, as well as any positive thoughts or beliefs that the client would like to have.
Desensitization: The client will be guided through the process of recalling the traumatic memory while receiving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or tones. The therapist will help the client to focus on the traumatic memory while following the bilateral stimulation, which is thought to help the brain process the memory in a new way, reducing the negative emotional impact of the memory.
Installation: The therapist will work with the client to help them to integrate the positive thoughts or beliefs that were identified in the assessment phase.
Body scan: The therapist will help the client to check for any remaining physical or emotional sensations associated with the traumatic memory.
Closure: The therapist will provide the client with coping strategies to use between sessions, as well as instructions on how to handle any distress that may arise after the session.
Re-evaluation: The therapist will check in with the client to evaluate the progress made during the session and to plan for any future sessions.
It's also important to mention that EMDR is a well-established and evidence-based therapy, that the therapist will be trained and accredited by the EMDR international association, and that the treatment will be adapted to the client's needs and preferences.
What Are The Risks Of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, however, like any form of therapy, it does have some potential risks, including:
Intensity of Emotions: EMDR therapy can sometimes bring up strong emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness, which can be difficult to handle for some clients.
Reliving Traumatic Experiences: EMDR therapy involves processing traumatic memories, which can be triggering and lead to temporary increases in symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Emotional Overwhelm: In some cases, clients may experience an emotional overwhelm during EMDR therapy, which can be difficult to manage and may require additional support.
Interference with Daily Life: Some clients may find that the intensity of their emotions and memories can interfere with their daily life and responsibilities, such as work and relationships.
Not Suitable For Everyone: EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and may not be effective for individuals who have severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis or severe depression.
It's important to discuss any concerns about the potential risks of EMDR therapy with a qualified mental health professional before starting treatment. They can provide more information about the risks and benefits of EMDR therapy, and can help determine if it is a suitable treatment option for you.
How To Find An EMDR Therapist Near Me? Surrey
There are several ways to find an EMDR therapist near you:
Referral from a Trusted Healthcare Provider: You can ask your doctor, psychologist, or other healthcare provider if they know of any qualified EMDR therapists in your area.
EMDR International Association: The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) provides a directory of EMDR therapists on their website. You can search for therapists in your area by postal code or city (Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Vancouver)
Online Directories: Online directories, such as Psychology Today allow you to search for therapists based on their location and area of expertise, including EMDR therapy.
Personal Recommendation: You can ask friends, family, or support groups if they have any personal recommendations for EMDR therapists in your area.
If you are thinking about counselling, we encourage you to try a free consultation call with one or more of our team members who are professionally trained in EMDR.
Violetta Przeworski (online and in-person)
Ryan Newman (in-person and online)
Laura Pickrell (in person and online)
Denea Maughan (online only)
Or consider one of our therapists who are trained in OEI (Observed & Experiential Integration), a therapy with a similar foundation and processes as EMDR.
Ryan Newman (in-person and online)