FAQ
Let me address common questions about the therapeutic approaches offered in my practice. This resource aims to provide clarity and understanding for anyone considering therapy, helping you make informed decisions on your healing journey. If you have additional questions not covered here, please feel free to reach out for further assistance.
Q: What Is EMDR Therapy?
A: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b). During therapy, we attend to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Directing bilateral eye movements is the most commonly used external stimulus, but a variety of others, including hand-tapping and audio stimulation, are often used.
Q: Can EMDR Be Administered Virtually?
A: As a senior EMDR clinician, I employed bilateral stimulation (BLS) throughout COVID using a video call platform. Remote EMDR can be just as effective as in-person therapy and may even be more comfortable for some, as it can be done in the safety of your own home. People struggling with PTSD, panic disorder, anxiety, and other concerns may feel more at ease in their own space.
Q: How Many Sessions are Required Before EMDR is Administered?
A: The number of sessions required depends on one's ability to “self-soothe” and use various self-control techniques to decrease potential disturbance. I will teach techniques during the preparation phase called Resourcing. The amount of preparation needed will vary from client to client. In most instances, the active processing of memories begins after two to three sessions.
Q: What Elements of EMDR Contribute to its Effectiveness?
A: Dr. Shapiro’s 1991 model works directly with cognitive, affective, and somatic components of memory to forge new associative links with more adaptive material. Various treatment elements enhance the processing needed for adaptive resolution, including focusing on the image of the event, the associated negative belief, and the physical sensations that forged initial connections among the elements of the traumatic memory.
Mindfulness is also encouraged by instructing clients to “just notice” and “let whatever happens, happen.”
Mindfulness is also encouraged by instructing clients to “just notice” and “let whatever happens, happen.”
Q: Are Eye Movements Considered Essential to EMDR?
A: Although eye movements are often considered the most distinctive element, EMDR therapy is a complex psychotherapy with numerous components contributing to treatment effects. Eye movements engage the client’s attention on external stimuli while simultaneously focusing on internal distressing material. Shapiro describes eye movements as “dual attention stimuli,” allowing the client to attend to both external and internal stimuli.
Using such alternate stimuli has been an integral part of the EMDR protocol for over 10 years (Shapiro 1991, 1993).
Using such alternate stimuli has been an integral part of the EMDR protocol for over 10 years (Shapiro 1991, 1993).
Q: What Can I Expect with EMDR?
A: Each case is unique, but there is an eight-phase approach that includes taking a complete history, preparing the client, identifying targets and their components, actively processing the past, present, and future aspects, and ongoing evaluation. Processing a target includes using dual stimulation (eye movements, taps, tones).
After each set of movements, you will briefly describe what you experienced. Ideally, at the end of each session, you will leave feeling in control and empowered. By the end of EMDR therapy, previously disturbing memories and present situations should no longer pose problems, and new healthy responses should be the norm.
Q: Is EMDR the Same as Hypnosis?
A: There are key differences between hypnosis and EMDR therapy. One major use of hypnosis among practitioners is to induce an altered state of mental relaxation. In contrast, EMDR begins without attempting to achieve mental relaxation; rather, we connect with an anxious, emotionally disturbing state.
Q: Will I Live with the Trauma as Intensely as Before?
A: Unlike some other therapies, EMDR clients are not required to relive trauma for extended periods. In EMDR therapy, if a high level of intensity occurs, it typically lasts for only a few moments before rapidly decreasing. If it does not diminish quickly, I employ techniques to assist in relieving the distress. You will also learn strategies to immediately manage any discomfort.