What To Know About EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Here are some basic facts about EMDR therapy:

1. Founder: EMDR therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Shapiro discovered the therapeutic effects of bilateral stimulation (often achieved through eye movements) on processing distressing memories.
2. Theory: EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing disturbances in normal cognitive processing. The therapy aims to help individuals reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and associated distress.
3. Procedure: During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through sets of bilateral stimulation, which can involve following the therapist’s finger movements with their eyes, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. The client simultaneously focuses on the traumatic memory or distressing thought.
4. Phases: EMDR therapy typically involves eight phases:
   • History taking and treatment planning
   • Preparation (establishing trust, explaining the process)
   • Assessment (identifying target memories)
   • Desensitization (reprocessing traumatic memories)
   • Installation (strengthening positive beliefs)
   • Body Scan (checking for residual tension)
   • Closure (ending the session safely)
   • Reevaluation (reviewing progress)
5. Bilateral Stimulation: This is a key component of EMDR therapy. It is believed to facilitate the processing of distressing memories by engaging both hemispheres of the brain.
6. Adaptations: While eye movements are the most commonly used form of bilateral stimulation, other modalities such as tapping or auditory tones can be used, especially if the client has difficulty with eye movements.
7. Effectiveness: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, as well as other trauma-related disorders. It is recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
8. Controversy: While many studies support the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, some researchers and clinicians have raised questions about its underlying mechanisms and the robustness of the evidence base. However, it remains a widely used and accepted treatment for trauma.
9. Applications: Beyond PTSD, EMDR therapy has been used to treat a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, phobias, and addiction.
10. Training and Certification: EMDR therapy requires specialized training and certification for therapists. Training programs typically involve both didactic instruction and supervised practice sessions.

EMDR therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals who have experienced distressing or traumatic events.

Here are some groups of people who may benefit from EMDR therapy:

1. Those with PTSD: EMDR therapy is particularly effective for individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help them process and alleviate symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing.
2. Survivors of Trauma: This includes individuals who have experienced various types of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, combat, or witnessing violence. EMDR can help them process the memories associated with these traumatic events and reduce their emotional distress.
3. Victims of Crime: People who have been victims of crime, including assault, robbery, or kidnapping, may benefit from EMDR therapy to address the psychological impact of these experiences and facilitate healing.
4. Military Veterans: EMDR therapy has been widely used to treat military veterans who have been exposed to combat trauma or other stressful events during their service. It can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD and improve overall psychological well-being.
5. First Responders: Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders often encounter traumatic situations in the course of their duties. EMDR therapy can be beneficial for addressing the psychological toll of these experiences and promoting resilience.
6. Individuals with Anxiety Disorders: EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. It can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning.
7. People with Depression: Although primarily known for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related disorders, EMDR therapy has also been used to address symptoms of depression. By processing negative beliefs and memories, it can help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve mood.
8. Those with Dissociative Disorders: EMDR therapy can be used cautiously and in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches to treat individuals with dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (DID) or dissociative amnesia.
9. Children and Adolescents: EMDR therapy can be adapted for use with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It is often modified to suit their developmental level and may incorporate play therapy techniques.
10. Anyone Experiencing Emotional Distress: While EMDR therapy is often associated with treating specific trauma-related conditions, it can also be beneficial for individuals experiencing distressing emotions, negative beliefs, or unprocessed memories related to a wide range of life experiences.

Why Does EMDR Work?

The precise mechanisms underlying why EMDR therapy works are not yet fully understood, but several theories have been proposed to explain its effectiveness:

1. Memory Reconsolidation: One prominent theory suggests that EMDR therapy facilitates the reconsolidation of traumatic memories. During the therapy session, bilateral stimulation is believed to activate the brain’s information processing mechanisms, allowing for the integration of the traumatic memory with more adaptive information. This process can lead to a reduction in the emotional charge associated with the memory, making it less distressing.
2. Dual Attention Hypothesis: According to this theory, the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy creates dual attention by simultaneously engaging both the traumatic memory and the external sensory stimuli (e.g., eye movements, auditory tones). This dual focus is thought to disrupt the typical cognitive processing of the traumatic memory, thereby reducing its emotional intensity and facilitating reprocessing.
3. Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model: Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR therapy, proposed the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural processing mechanisms, leading to the development of symptoms like PTSD. EMDR therapy aims to facilitate the brain’s adaptive processing by accessing and reprocessing the traumatic memories, thereby reducing distress and promoting healing.
4. Neurobiological Changes: Research suggests that EMDR therapy may induce neurobiological changes in the brain, particularly in regions involved in memory processing and emotional regulation. For example, studies using neuroimaging techniques have shown alterations in brain activity and connectivity following EMDR therapy sessions, particularly in areas such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala.
5. Exposure Therapy Component: EMDR therapy incorporates elements of exposure therapy, a well-established treatment for anxiety disorders. Through repeated exposure to the traumatic memory in a safe therapeutic environment, individuals can gradually habituate to the memory and experience a reduction in associated distress over time.
6. Bilateral Stimulation: The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy is believed to mimic the rapid eye movements (REMs) that occur during the dream stage of sleep (REM sleep). REM sleep is thought to play a role in the processing and consolidation of emotional memories, and bilateral stimulation may facilitate similar processing during wakefulness.

Overall, EMDR therapy appears to work through a combination of cognitive, emotional, and neurobiological processes, ultimately helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories and reduce associated symptoms.

However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness.

Pricing for EMDR Therapy: With vs. Without Insurance

The cost of EMDR therapy can vary depending on various factors such as the therapist’s location, experience, credentials, and the duration of each session.

Additionally, whether insurance coverage is available can significantly affect the out-of-pocket costs for individuals receiving EMDR therapy.

Here’s a general overview of the average costs:

1. Without Insurance:
   • Out-of-pocket costs for EMDR therapy sessions typically range from $75 to $200 per session.
   • Some therapists may offer sliding scale fees based on income, making therapy more affordable for those with limited financial resources.
   • The total cost of EMDR therapy will depend on the number of sessions required, which can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms.
2. With Insurance:
   • Many health insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services, including psychotherapy such as EMDR therapy.
   • With insurance coverage, individuals may be responsible for copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, which can vary depending on the specific plan.
   • The cost of EMDR therapy sessions with insurance coverage will depend on the individual’s plan details, including their copayment or coinsurance amount and any remaining deductible.
   • It’s important for individuals to check with their insurance provider to understand their coverage for mental health services, including EMDR therapy, and to verify whether a specific therapist is in-network or out-of-network.

Overall, while EMDR therapy can be expensive for those paying out-of-pocket, insurance coverage can help reduce the financial burden.

Additionally, some therapists may offer flexible payment options to accommodate individuals with different financial circumstances.

It’s advisable for individuals to research and inquire about the costs and payment options when seeking EMDR therapy.

Conclusion