Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from the perspective of an EMDR Therapist

Let’s Chat EMDR!

Here is my take answering some FAQs about EMDR Therapy.

Written by owner and therapist at Light Within Wellness, Mary Norman LMFT, NCC, RYT-200

1.)     What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that is evidenced to relieve distress associated with traumatic memories and experiences. In EMDR treatment, your therapist guides you through systematically reprocessing memories with the use of left right movements or external stimulus. This may take the form of eye movements, tapping on the body, or even sounds in headphones.

2.)     What is the point of the eye movements or other external stimulus (also known as bilateral stimulation (BLS))?

BLS is associated with the healing effects of EMDR and there are several theories on why it works! One theory ties into what we know about Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. In REM sleep, eyes dart left to right and brains are hard at work organizing the memories we have made during our waking hours. On many levels, this is what we are doing in EMDR- working to give our brain the space to take what we need from past distressing memories for personal growth and to leave behind what is not useful. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model of EMDR describes that BLS in EMDR provides access to the mind’s natural information processing system. In doing so, the brain is able to take present day wisdom and properly integrate it with the distressing memories so it can be digested in a more healthy, adaptive way.

3.)     EMDR sounds intense, why would I do that instead of other types of therapy?

EMDR can be uncomfortable due to the nature of re-visiting past trauma to move through it, but a well-trained EMDR therapist is along for the ride to be sure clients are well equipped to dive into this work. They are also there to offer a sense of safety and containment before, after, and during reprocessing work. EMDR has been shown to offer relief much faster than traditional talk therapy and allows the brain and body to efficiently do what it needs to do to digest trauma and reduce associated symptoms.

4.)     How soon or how long after a traumatic event can you receive EMDR?

EMDR work can be provided at any time in the continuum of traumatic experiences. There are even specific protocols for recent trauma like Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) or Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP).

Mary Norman, LMFT, NCC, RYT-200 offers EMDR services, including R-TEP and G-TEP, to teen and adult clients online anywhere in the states of Florida and South Carolina.

Are you hoping to get started with EMDR?

Schedule a free consultation HERE to see if EMDR may be right for you or your teen.