{"id":43119,"date":"2023-08-27T17:39:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-27T21:39:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=43119"},"modified":"2023-08-27T17:39:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T21:39:05","slug":"emdr-treatment-for-ptsd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/","title":{"rendered":"EMDR: What It Is and How It Can Help Your PTSD"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#What_Is_EMDR\" title=\"What Is EMDR?\">What Is EMDR?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#How_Does_EMDR_Treatment_Work\" title=\"How Does EMDR Treatment Work?\">How Does EMDR Treatment Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#What_Is_EMDR_Treatment_Like\" title=\"What Is EMDR Treatment Like?\">What Is EMDR Treatment Like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#What_to_Look_for_in_an_EMDR_Therapist\" title=\"What to Look for in an EMDR Therapist\">What to Look for in an EMDR Therapist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#Does_EMDR_Work\" title=\"Does EMDR Work?\">Does EMDR Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/emdr-treatment-for-ptsd\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>In 1987, Dr. Francine Shapiro made a chance discovery that changed the world of trauma therapy forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While walking in a park one day, Dr. Shapiro noticed her eyes making spontaneous movements while she was thinking about an upsetting topic. She also noticed the emotional distress she felt significantly reduced as her eyes moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curious about her discovery, Dr. Shapiro began encouraging her <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\" title=\"therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">therapy<\/a> clients to move their eyes back and forth while thinking about traumatic events they\u2019d experienced. Many of them reported something similar to Dr. Shapiro \u2013 a spontaneous decrease in distress related to their trauma.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These early sessions were just the beginning of what would later become one of the most popular trauma therapies in the world \u2013 eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD.png\" alt=\"EMDR treatment: What It Is and How It Can Help Your PTSD\" class=\"wp-image-43121 lazyload\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:400px;height:600px\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD.png\" alt=\"EMDR treatment: What It Is and How It Can Help Your PTSD\" class=\"wp-image-43121 lazyload\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:400px;height:600px\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-300x450.png 300w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-750x1125.png 750w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-150x225.png 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-480x720.png 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">EMDR Treatment: What It Is and How It Can Help Your PTSD<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_EMDR\"><\/span><strong>What Is EMDR?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR for short) is an eight-phase <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\" title=\"therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">therapy<\/a> model. The phases of EMDR treatment are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>History taking and treatment planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desensitization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Body scan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Closure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reevaluation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Each phase has specific steps that guide the client toward their ultimate goal of treating their PTSD. Explaining each phase is beyond the scope of this article, but if you\u2019re curious about them, you can check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdria.org\/blog\/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_EMDR_Treatment_Work\"><\/span><strong>How Does EMDR Treatment Work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During a normal, average day, your brain is constantly processing and storing memories. Because most of these memories are unremarkable, they will be saved in your long-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When something traumatic happens, it can overwhelm your brain\u2019s ability to process memories. These unprocessed memories often contain the images, smells, sounds, emotions, thoughts, and body sensations associated with the trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EMDR suggests that PTSD is caused by these unprocessed memories. Instead of being filed away, they continue to create distress as they flood your brain with memories of the trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Shapiro explained this theory well when she said, \u201cThe past affects the present without our being aware of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EMDR helps by processing the memories associated with your PTSD. The key to storing these memories is something called \u201cbilateral stimulation\u201d (BLS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During an EMDR session, the client will think about a traumatic memory. As they do, the therapist will apply BLS to the client. There are lots of forms of BLS, such as following the therapist\u2019s fingers back and forth with your eyes, holding a pair of buzzers that gently vibrate in each hand, or listening to alternating tones with headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t understand why, but research shows that BLS naturally activates the brain\u2019s ability to process trauma. There are several different theories about how it works, and you can check out a list of them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdr.com\/theory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_EMDR_Treatment_Like\"><\/span><strong>What Is EMDR Treatment Like?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During your first EMDR treatment sessions, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and learning about your past. You\u2019ll set goals for therapy before learning coping skills to help you manage your PTSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, you and your therapist will identify a list of \u201ctarget memories.\u201d These are the unprocessed memories responsible for creating your PTSD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where to begin? No problem. Your therapist should be trained to guide you through several techniques that can help identify the memories that need to be processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After creating a list of memories, you\u2019ll also identify a list of \u201cpresent triggers.\u201d These are the sights, sounds, smells, places, and situations that trigger your PTSD. One of the great things about EMDR is that you\u2019ll not only desensitize yourself to your disturbing memories, but also to your present triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it\u2019s time to begin processing. Your therapist will ask you a series of questions to \u201cactivate\u201d the memory you want to target. Activating a memory simply means that you\u2019re bringing it into your conscious awareness so your brain can process it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After activating the memory, your therapist will begin to apply BLS. Your job as the client is to notice what\u2019s happening to the memory. Most people report a change in their thoughts, emotions, or the mental picture associated with the memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A helpful analogy to use about the client\u2019s role is watching the landscape pass by while riding a train. Just like a train passenger is a passive observer to the world flashing by, the client\u2019s job is to just notice what\u2019s happening as their brain processes the memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s normal to experience some distress during processing. However, your therapist should be trained to help you manage this distress. It\u2019s <em>not <\/em>normal or helpful to feel overwhelmed or flooded during processing \u2013 if you do, it\u2019s important to tell your therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After processing each of the target memories, you\u2019ll process the present triggers. You should notice a decrease in your PTSD as you continue therapy, though it\u2019s very normal to notice a slight increase in symptoms after your first few EMDR sessions \u2013 keep at it and you\u2019ll notice results soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to learn more about what it\u2019s like to experience EMDR, you can check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdria.org\/about-emdr-therapy\/experiencing-emdr-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video<\/a> on the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Look_for_in_an_EMDR_Therapist\"><\/span><strong>What to Look for in an EMDR Therapist<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of its growing demand, many therapists are getting trained in EMDR. However, these training courses are not created equally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to find a therapist who has been taught by a credible source. Organizations like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdria.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EMDRIA<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdr.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EMDR Institute<\/a> offer high-quality trainings for therapists interested in EMDR.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, it\u2019s important for new EMDR therapists to receive consultation to ensure they are implementing EMDR treatment correctly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are unsure about your therapist\u2019s training or qualifications, you should ask them. They should be able to provide you with their credentials and explain why they\u2019re doing what they\u2019re doing. EMDR is a powerful tool and can be harmful if not implemented correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_EMDR_Work\"><\/span><strong>Does EMDR Work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re skeptical about EMDR, you\u2019re not alone. The idea that eye movements can reduce PTSD seems almost too good to be true. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/psychological-medicine\/article\/abs\/comparing-the-efficacy-of-emdr-and-traumafocused-cognitivebehavioral-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-ptsd-a-metaanalytic-study\/F4CD874AE857F3D08AA2EF1181F0098B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research<\/a> and clients alike can attest that EMDR is a safe and effective option for treating PTSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the American Psychological Association has given EMDR a \u201cconditional\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/ptsd-guideline\/treatments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recommendation<\/a> for treating PTSD, stating that more research may make is a \u201cstrongly\u201d recommended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/ways-to-manage-ptsd-symptoms-at-home\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30325\">trauma treatment<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, EMDR can be a powerful tool in helping survivors recover from their trauma. We don\u2019t know for sure why EMDR treatment works, but people around the world have benefited from it. Keep in mind that it\u2019s important to find a competent EMDR therapist who has experience implementing this modality safely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in EMDR, check out websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Psychology Today<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdria.org\/find-an-emdr-therapist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EMDRIA provider directory<\/a>. You should be able to find an EMDR therapist who can help you get started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR for short) is an eight-phase therapy model. Research indicates that is is an excellent treatment for PTSD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101,"featured_media":43120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[781],"tags":[28,878,46,799,931],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Michael Schiferl, LCMFT","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/mschiferl\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1.png",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-150x84.png",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-300x169.png",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-768x432.png",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-750x422.png",750,422,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1.png",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1.png",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1.png",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-480x384.png",480,384,true],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-480x450.png",480,450,true],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-480x450.png",480,450,true],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EMDR-What-It-Is-and-How-It-Can-Help-Your-PTSD-1-720x450.png",720,450,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Michael Schiferl, LCMFT","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/mschiferl\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR for short) is an eight-phase therapy model. Research indicates that is is an excellent treatment for PTSD.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43119"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43119\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}