5 Common EMDR Myths We Hear at Woven
As trauma therapists based in Los Angeles – one (if not the) epicenter of the health and wellness boom – we receive numerous calls from individuals specifically interested in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). From those who have learned about this effective approach through a podcast, a loved one, or another therapist specializing in a talk-based modality to those who have never been in therapy at all, EMDR has inspired interest, and for good reason!
With the well-earned buzz around this evidence-based approach to healing trauma, there are also plenty of misunderstandings. Let’s take a look at some common myths so that you are prepared to advocate for yourself and make decisions about your mental healthcare.
1. EMDR only works for single-incident or “big T” trauma
While EMDR was initially developed and researched for treating PTSD in war veterans, its efficacy is not limited to this group or to those with similar, single-incident trauma. In fact, since it was developed in 1987, EMDR has been studied rigorously and validated as an evidence-based approach for treating a wide range of trauma presentations including complex and co-occurring. With an attuned provider, EMDR is a suitable treatment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
2. EMDR is a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach
EMDR is a highly individualized treatment and not one-size-fits-all. The most effective EMDR is provided by a trained and attuned provider who can customize the 8 phases of the intervention to your needs. At Woven, we move through the initial phases at a deliberate pace to ensure that our clients are secure within the therapeutic space and prepared with resources for regulation outside of session. This allows your nervous system to rest in a state of safety and connection as we explore traumas and their impact. We can tailor the type of bilateral stimulation used (i.e. tapping, eye movements, audio) and practice a diversity of Western and Eastern regulation tools together (i.e. somatic, breathwork, sound healing) to see what works for you.
3. EMDR is a “quick fix” to bypass emotional work
Some people have heard that EMDR offers immediate relief while skipping the discomfort of releasing stored emotions around trauma: this belief sets us up for disappointment. Trauma is painful and for many reasons, engaging in therapy is not always easy. However, EMDR should not be regarded as a quick and easy way to bulldoze through the work of healing. It’s true that EMDR involves less detailed exploration of what happened than traditional therapies, but the pace of progress varies and is especially predicated on the safety thoughtfully cultivated by the clinician and the emotional openness accessed by the client.
4. EMDR involves hypnosis and will make me a different person
EMDR and the bilateral stimulation (BLS) it relies upon do not put you in a hypnotic trance. You are always in control and can stop at any time. We actually engage in BLS quite often during daily activities like walking, dreaming, cleaning, listening to music, and dancing. While you may notice a more meditative state while your mind enters this problem solving mode assistive to reprocessing traumatic memories, you will not be a different person or under the control of your clinician. Some people report feeling tired after a reprocessing session but you will be alert and able to move through your day as you typically would.
5. EMDR erases memories
There can be some hesitation among individuals who believe that their memories will be tampered with or erased. When reprocessing traumatic memories with EMDR, the memories are not changed or erased, but rather as new insights are accessed and neural pathways are developed you’ll begin to relate to yourself, the trauma, and the impact it has on you differently. This new framework can offer relief as you reinforce more positive, adaptive beliefs about yourself. This relief can inspire increased confidence, safety, trust, and overall life satisfaction.
EMDR is a safe and effective approach to healing trauma when provided by the right specialist. We hope that clearing up these common misconceptions has given you greater insight and confidence when choosing your provider. If EMDR sounds like the right fit for you or a loved one, please get in touch with our therapist matchmaker today to get started. We can’t wait to support you in this powerful healing work!
Check in with yourself now. How are you feeling? Need some extra support? Reach out today for a free 30-minute consultation with our therapist matchmaker to discover how trauma therapy can help you reach your wellness goals.
Interested in learning more about our unique approach to trauma therapy?
These blogs talk more about the basics of EMDR:
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References
Korn, Deborah L. "EMDR and the treatment of complex PTSD: A review." Journal of EMDR Practice and Research 3.4 (2009): 264-278.
Shapiro, F. (1989). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories. Journal of traumatic stress, 2(2), 199-223.
Tapia, G., Perez-Dandieu, B., Lenoir, H., Othily, E., Gray, M., & Delile, J. M. (2018). Treating addiction with schema therapy and EMDR in women with co-occurring SUD and PTSD: A pilot study. Journal of Substance Use, 23(2), 199-205.