What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. It is a therapeutic approach that involves moving the eyes in a specific, guided way while recalling and processing traumatic memories. The goal is to help individuals reprocess these distressing experiences so they no longer have a strong emotional impact, allowing people to move on from trauma. EMDR is especially effective for treating PTSD and is widely recognized as a powerful tool for trauma recovery. EMDR draws from several therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and body-centered therapy, allowing it to address both emotional and physiological aspects of trauma.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, but research has shown it to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including eating disorders, experiences of abuse, panic attacks, phobias, and more. It is particularly helpful for issues rooted in unresolved trauma, even when symptoms do not present as classic PTSD. By targeting the underlying traumatic experiences, EMDR helps individuals process the root causes of their distress.
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Yes, EMDR can be done online. Therapists can use on-screen visuals, audio tones, and tapping techniques to replicate the bilateral stimulation used in in-person sessions. These tools allow the process to be effectively adapted for virtual therapy, making EMDR accessible from the comfort of a client’s home.
How Does It Work?
EMDR is based on the idea that memories are improperly processed and stored in the brain. By using bilateral stimulation (often eye movements, taping, or audio tones) while the person recalls a distressing memory, EMDR activates both hemispheres of the brain. This process is thought to mimic the brain’s natural processing during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, helping the brain reprocess the memory, reduce its emotional intensity, and integrate it in a healthier way. Ultimately, it helps connect the emotional content of the memory with more logical understanding, reducing the memory’s impact and supporting long-term healing.
EMDR therapy is carried out in eight structured phases, each serving a specific purpose in the healing process. Here are the steps:
- History taking: the therapist gathers detailed information about the client’s past experiences and identifies target memories to address
- Preparation: the therapist explains the EMDR process and helps the client develop coping strategies to manage emotional distress
- Assessment: involves identifying the specific memory to target, along with the associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations
- Desensitization and Reprocessing: the client focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, to help reduce the emotional response to the memory.
- Installation: the therapist works with the client to strengthen a positive belief that will replace the negative one
- Body Scan: the client takes note of any residual physical tension or discomfort when thinking about the memory and processes it as needed
- Closure and Stabilization: the client returns to a calm state at the end of each session, using self-soothing techniques if necessary
- Reevaluation: the progress is reviewed to determine whether further processing is needed or if new memories should be addressed
Is EMDR Effective?
Yes, EMDR is an evidence based and highly effective form of therapy. It is recommended by leading health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Research consistently shows that EMDR can bring faster relief than many other types of therapy. For example, a study conducted by the EMDR Institute found that 77% of participants experienced remission from PTSD after just 12 sessions, highlighting the therapy’s strong effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions.
Where Can I Find EMDR Online?
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy online, there are several reputable options. At WellQor, we offer specialized online EMDR therapy with licensed, trauma-informed therapists, and we proudly accept a wide range of insurance plans, making care more accessible and affordable. Our commitment to personalized mental health support and flexible virtual sessions makes us a preferred provider for individuals seeking effective trauma therapy. Another online option is Doctor On Demand, which provides EMDR services via a user-friendly app and accepts many insurance plans. Similarly, platforms like Mindfully, known for its coverage of Medicaid and Medicare, and Cannon Psychology, which offers online EMDR to clients in select states, also provide accessible, insurance-supported care.
