Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become a popular and effective treatment for people dealing with PTSD and trauma. While it offers hope for trauma recovery and PTSD treatment, it’s important to understand the risks of EMDR therapy before starting your healing journey.
EMDR uses techniques like eye movements, EMDR light bars, EMDR tappers, and EMDR buzzers to help your brain reprocess painful memories. Many people find relief from trauma symptoms and make progress in PTSD recovery with EMDR. However, like any mental health treatment, there are potential dangers of EMDR therapy that you should know about. In this blog, we’ll explain what EMDR therapy is, explore the possible risks, and help you make an informed decision about trauma treatment.
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from the emotional pain caused by PTSD and trauma. Developed in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy is now widely used as a PTSD treatment and trauma recovery method. It is especially known for helping people process difficult memories that might be stuck and causing distress.
During an EMDR session, a trained therapist will guide you to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while you also experience some form of bilateral stimulation. This usually involves following the therapist’s moving finger with your eyes, but can also include other tools like EMDR tappers, EMDR buzzers, or an EMDR light bar. These techniques help your brain process and reframe the memory, so it becomes less upsetting over time.
EMDR therapy is recognized by organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association for its effectiveness in PTSD recovery and trauma treatment. Research shows that many people experience significant relief from trauma symptoms after EMDR, sometimes in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. While there are some dangers of EMDR therapy to consider, it is generally seen as a safe and powerful tool for those seeking help with trauma and PTSD.
What Can EMDR Treat?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is known for its ability to help people recover from difficult experiences. But what can EMDR treat? This therapy is most often used for PTSD and trauma, but it can also help with a range of related conditions. Here’s a look at some of the main issues EMDR is used to address:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR therapy is widely recognized as an effective PTSD treatment. People with PTSD often struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, and strong emotional reactions after experiencing something traumatic. EMDR helps the brain process these memories, making them less distressing and supporting PTSD recovery.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Complex PTSD develops after long-term or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. C-PTSD can include symptoms of regular PTSD, as well as problems with relationships, self-esteem, and emotions. EMDR therapy can help people work through these deep and lasting effects, aiding in trauma recovery.
- Trauma: EMDR is also used for trauma treatment more generally, not just for those with a PTSD diagnosis. It can help anyone who has experienced a disturbing event—such as an accident, loss, or violence—process their feelings and move forward in their trauma recovery journey.
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How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy follows a clear process made up of eight phases to help people heal from trauma and PTSD. Here’s how it works:
- Phase 1: History Taking
The therapist learns about your past and your current problems. This helps them understand what to focus on during treatment.
- Phase 2: Preparation
The therapist explains how EMDR works and teaches you ways to handle stress during sessions. This helps you feel safe and ready.
- Phase 3: Assessment
You and the therapist choose specific memories or events to work on. You also identify the negative feelings and beliefs linked to those memories.
- Phase 4: Desensitization
This is the main part of EMDR. You focus on the memory while following the therapist’s finger with your eyes or using tools like EMDR tappers or buzzers. This helps reduce the strong negative feelings.
- Phase 5: Installation
You focus on positive beliefs to replace the negative ones, like “I am safe now.”
- Phase 6: Body Scan
You check your body for any tension related to the memory. If needed, more eye movements or taps help release it.
- Phase 7: Closure
The therapist helps you feel calm and safe before the session ends.
- Phase 8: Reevaluation
At the start of the next session, the therapist checks your progress and plans what to work on next.
Each session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The total number of sessions can range from 3 to 12 or more, depending on how complex the trauma is. EMDR helps make painful memories less upsetting and supports trauma recovery step by step.
Footprints to Recovery Mental Health provides outpatient treatment programs in New Jersey.
How Does Trauma Make Life Difficult?
Trauma can make life very difficult in many ways. It affects your emotions, thoughts, body, and daily activities. Here are some common ways trauma impacts people’s lives:
- Persistent fatigue and headaches that make daily tasks harder
- Sleep problems like insomnia, nightmares, or trouble falling asleep
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories that feel like reliving the trauma
- Feeling anxious, fearful, or always on guard (hyperarousal)
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Emotional numbness or trouble feeling positive emotions
- Problems with relationships due to trust issues or withdrawal
- Mood changes such as depression, anger, or irritability
- Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma
- Physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or stomach aches
- Risk of self-harm, substance misuse, or suicidal thoughts
These effects can make it hard to work, socialize, or take care of yourself. Understanding how trauma affects you is the first step toward healing and finding the right support.
Find Trauma Treatment Services Near Me
When looking for trauma treatment services near you, it’s important to choose a professional mental health counseling provider with these qualities:
- Experience in trauma and PTSD treatment
- Use of evidence-based therapies like EMDR or brainspotting
- Trauma-informed approach that creates a safe, supportive environment
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs
- Licensed and trained therapists with good reputations
- Availability of both in-person and online sessions for comfort and convenience
- Ongoing support and aftercare options to help maintain recovery
If you’re searching for trusted trauma treatment in New Jersey, consider Footprints to Recovery Mental Health. Our team offers compassionate, expert care focused on helping you heal from PTSD and trauma. With personalized plans and a safe space to grow, Footprints to Recovery is here to support your journey toward trauma recovery. Reach out today to take the first step toward a healthier, brighter future.
- EMDR Therapy: Everything You Need to Know – Medical News Today
- The Potential Risks of EMDR Therapy – verywellmind.org
- Cleveland Clinic – EMDR Therapy
- Overview – Post-traumatic stress disorder – NHS
- A Review of PTSD and Current Treatment Strategies – PubMed
- Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy- APA
- What is EMDR? – EMDR Insitute, Inc.
- The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder—A Systematic Narrative Review – PubMed
- Trauma – mind.org
- Understanding the Impact of Trauma – PubMed
- What is Trauma? What to Know – Medical News Today
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Mayo Clinic
- Complex post-traumatic stress disorder – PubMed
