aPPROACHES
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is a therapeutic approach that can be highly effective in treating trauma. At It Begins Within, our EMDR-certified therapists are here to support the Tampa & St. Petersburg communities.
Overview of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR is a psychotherapy approach used to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories. EMDR involves the patient recalling distressing experiences while simultaneously undergoing bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. This process aims to reduce the emotional impact of the traumatic memories and reframe them in a more adaptive and less distressing way. EMDR is widely used to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias.
How EMDR Works
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of therapy that helps people process difficult memories or experiences that may be affecting their mental health.
Here's how it works:
Recall the Memory
You think about the past trauma or experience that is currently troubling you or affecting your mental health.
Eye Movements & Bilateral Stimulation
While you think about this memory, the therapist will ask you to follow their hand or another object with your eyes. Sometimes they might use sounds or taps instead.
Processing the Memory
As you do this, your brain starts to process the memory differently. It’s like your brain is figuring out a new way to store the memory so it doesn't hurt as much.
Healing
Over time, the memory becomes less painful, and you start to feel better about it.
What is EMDR Therapy commonly used to treat?
EMDR therapy is used to help people with different kinds of problems that come from bad or upsetting experiences. Here are some common issues that EMDR therapists can help with:
Trauma and PTSD: It’s often used to treat people who have been through scary or traumatic events, like accidents, natural disasters, or abuse.
Anxiety: EMDR processing can be a powerful healing treatment for people who suffer from anxiety.
Depression: EMDR Therapy can also help with feelings of deep sadness that don't go away.
Phobias: People who live with fear of specific things, like heights or spiders, can get help healing from EMDR.
Grief and Loss: EMDR is used to support people who are having a hard time dealing with the death or loss of a loved one.
Panic Attacks: EMDR processing can help people who have sudden, intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms, called panic attacks.
Self-Esteem Issues: It can also help people who have negative beliefs about themselves and low self-esteem.
How Effective Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a highly effective therapy for many people, particularly for treating trauma and PTSD. Studies show that it provides quick relief, with long-lasting effects after just a few sessions. Widely used by therapists globally, EMDR receives positive feedback for significantly improving emotional well-being and helping individuals cope better with their issues.
There is a substantial body of research supporting the effectiveness of EMDR. Here are some key studies and findings:
American Psychiatric Association (APA): The APA recognizes EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for PTSD. Their practice guidelines recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for trauma. Learn more.
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs):
van der Kolk et al. (2007): This study compared EMDR with other forms of therapy and found that EMDR significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in a shorter time frame. Learn more.
Lee and Cuijpers (2013): A meta-analysis of 26 RCTs found that EMDR was highly effective in treating PTSD, with results comparable to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Learn more.
Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD): Their clinical practice guidelines for PTSD recommend EMDR as a strong option for treatment based on extensive research and clinical evidence. Learn more.
EMDR Therapy Tampa | Approaches
Here at It Begins Within, we offer standard EMDR therapy sessions. All of our standard sessions are 60 minutes (not a "clinical hour" of 45-50 minutes). Due to the nature of EMDR, it can temporarily bring up more intense pain throughout the healing process. As a result of this, we also offer EMDR Intensives, which allow more to be accomplished and potentially limit the worsening of negative emotions outside of sessions. This also has been a sought-after approach for many individuals we work with who are leaders in the community and have limited availability but understand the importance of overcoming their negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Have to Revisit Painful Memories?
You don’t have to discuss details, and the goal is to reduce the disturbance of painful memories. The process is guided and paced to feel safe and comfortable for the individual. EMDR seeks to help individuals relieve the disturbance resulting from traumatic experiences.
what are the Common Concerns About EMDR Therapy?
Common concerns with EMDR therapy include the potential for re-experiencing trauma and feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions during sessions. Some individuals worry about the effectiveness of EMDR for their specific issues and the possibility of memory distortion. Additionally, access to qualified therapists and the cost of treatment can be concerns. Despite these issues, many find EMDR to be a highly effective form of therapy.
How do I get started with EMDR therapy?
To get started with EMDR therapy, find a qualified and certified therapist like the providers here at It Begins Within, and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment goals. The therapist will conduct an assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan, including preparation with coping strategies.
Schedule Free Consultation
We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations for all of our skilled therapists. Our belief is that the strongest factor in your success through therapy is the relationship with your therapist - and we want to ensure that.