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What Happens During an EMDR Session?
By: Carol Boulware, Ph.D.
Just as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) assists the brain with its natural processing of emotional information, the EMDR therapist assists the client in their healing process by becoming a partner on a journey to release past trauma from the client's nervous system.
A typical EMDR session begins with the therapist gently guiding the client to pinpoint a problem emotion or event that will be the target of the treatment. As the thoughts and feelings come to the surface, the therapist and client work together to re-direct the eye movements that accompany the briefly recalled experience. As the eye movements are re-directed, the negative emotions are released.
The patterns of eye movements continue until the unwanted emotions are neutralized and the troubling event is re-associated with positive thoughts and feelings about oneself, such as "I realize now that it wasn't my fault."
HOW OFTEN WOULD I NEED EMDR TREATMENTS?
Typically, an EMDR session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. The length of the session depends upon a number of factors, including the nature and history of the problem, the degree of trauma, the specific circumstances on that particular day, etc.
In cases where a single recent traumatic event is involved, a single session of EMDR may be all that is required. However, a more typical course of treatment is somewhere between 5 and 15 sessions, either weekly or every two weeks. For individuals with a history of painful experiences and years of feeling bad about them, a number of EMDR sessions may be needed.
EMDR is most effective when used in conjunction with other modes of therapy. Your therapist will discuss a plan of treatment with you ahead of time so you will generally know what to expect. Usually, at least one session is necessary for the therapist to evaluate whether or not EMDR is the appropriate choice of therapy.
IS THERE ANY DISCOMFORT INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS?
The EMDR treatment can evoke strong emotions or sensations during a session. This is perfectly normal and desirable, since the technique can only work on the negative feelings when they are brought into the client's awareness. However, the re-experiencing of these unpleasant feelings is brief and they will soon leave you when the process is completed.
If the client will persevere through the upsetting memories for a short time, he or she will likely be thrilled with the outcome of the therapy. Relief occurs rapidly, and, for many, permanently.
WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN EMDR SESSIONS?
Between EMDR sessions, it is a good idea for the client to keep a daily log in which to record any unusual or noteworthy thoughts or feelings. He or she can then bring their notes to the next EMDR session. This log will help the therapist to know if any adjustments in therapy are warranted.
After an EMDR session, there may be a strong sense of relief, a feeling of openness or even euphoria. This is a normal reaction to the release that has, and is, taken place.
From time to time, some clients experience unusual thoughts or vivid dreams that may or may not have any meaning. This is part of the releasing process and should not cause undue concern. Actually, unusual experiences during the time period of the EMDR therapy indicates that it is working.
About Carol Boulware, Ph.D....
Carol Boulware, Ph.D., is a therapist based in Los Angeles and Redondo Beach, California, who engages a range of treatment modalities, including EMDR, to help her clients with such issues as anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, victims of childhood sexual abuse, and marriage/couples issues.
Click Here to learn more about Carol Boulware, Ph.D.
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