Debunking EMDR Myths: Facts Every Client Should Know
“Research has shown that about five hours of EMDR treatment eliminates PTSD in 84 to 100 percent of civilians with a single trauma experience”- Francine Shapiro, EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma
When I first heard this statistic in my EMDR training, I was dubious. This sounded too good to be true, so it must be! Since originally hearing this data point three years ago, my doubts have been eliminated. I had to actually experience EMDR, both as a therapist and a client, to understand. I have successfully completed EMDR therapy with clients with various presentations and experiences, yet almost every client had questions and doubts about the experience beforehand. All questions are completely understandable, especially because there are some EMDR myths floating around the dialogue that can percolate and lead to a general sense of hesitation. Let’s break down together what EMDR is, and what EMDR isn’t.
What is it?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps process traumatic or distressing memories.
EMDR treatment helps access memories stored in the reptilian or "lizard" brain where trauma is stuck and moves these memories into the neocortex, the verbal and logical part of the brain using bilateral stimulation. To be honest, this description sounds confusing! And somewhat too good to be true! I completely understand why clients and therapists alike can have questions and confusion here. If you want to learn more about EMDR therapy and how the therapists at Root to Rise use it to help clients, there is some more information on our website here: https://rootrisetherapyla.com/emdr/
Myths:
EMDR only works for PTSD
A common response I’ve gotten from clients when suggesting EMDR therapy is “But I don’t have PTSD”, “I haven’t been in war”, or “My trauma isn’t severe.” EMDR has been shown to be effective for a wide range of memories and feelings, ranging from PTSD to everyday stressors. EMDR has been adapted for anxiety, depression, addiction, phobias, grief, and even couples work!
EMDR creates false memories
Though we can usually identify a theme or feeling that feels charged and is keeping us stuck, such as a deep-seated pain that comes up when we feel worthless, we cannot always link the feeling back to a specific memory. That is perfectly okay! We don’t always need a specific memory to get started, and we often struggle to access the memories until we begin the reprocessing. After this explanation, clients often inquire about the possibility of false memories emerging. EMDR does not create false memories and has not been shown to implant any memories that have not occurred. EMDR helps unlock, access, and process existing memories that might be so stuck in our “offline” brains that they cannot be retrieved until we begin reprocessing.
EMDR is dangerous and unsafe
Though there are of course risks to be aware of, EMDR is generally safe and contained. Any therapist facilitating EMDR has undergone extensive training and consultation and is equipped to monitor for any possible reactions. EMDR can be an intense emotional experience that can manifest in many reactions in the room, but these are part of the healing process and need to come to the surface in order to reprocess and desensitize distressing memories. The EMDR process can feel a little like shaking a snow globe. The initial stages might make the client experience more intensity around the memories in the immediate aftermath, especially if the memories have been compartmentalized or avoided. However, this is necessary for the particles in the snow globe to fall back down in a way that feels more manageable and integrated.
EMDR is pseudoscience or hypnosis
EMDR is actually one of the most evidence-based modalities of therapy, especially for trauma treatment. It is endorsed by reputable organizations like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization for treating trauma, and the body of research continues to grow daily. EMDR has been empirically tested and studied.
EMDR forces you to relive your trauma
Clients actually tend to like how effective EMDR can be without retelling their story from start to finish. Some trauma modalities require reliving painful experiences, which can result in retraumatization. However, the client is able to share however much they feel comfortable with and the trauma can be processed without extensive detail.
EMDR is a highly effective form of therapy, and it makes complete sense that there are myths and misinformation surrounding the process. In the initial phases of working with a client, each EMDR therapist addresses any questions or concerns and creates space for clients to share any doubts. Every step along the way, the therapist makes sure the client feels safe and comfortable and understands the process. If you have any questions about EMDR or are wondering if EMDR is right for you, the therapists at Root to Rise are here to help! Reach out to our intake coordinator today to set up a consultation and learn more!
Warmly,
Jessica Leader LMFT
