Is EMDR Right for Me?
If you have been in traditional talk therapy and still struggling managing your negative symptoms of anxiety or maybe you are feeling those tense emotions when you see a trigger, EMDR may be a great fit for you and be a powerful tool to finally allow you healing. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to speak to a trained EMDR therapist.
A few indicators that EMDR might be a good fit:
1.) You experience physical reactions
Trauma isn’t just stored in your brain—it lives in our entire body. Our emotions are stored in the the body. Ever heard of the phrase : the body keeps the score? It’s true. EMDR can help reduce those negative symptoms like panic attacks, tension, and emotional numbness.
2.) You feel “stuck” in the past
If you have been in talk therapy and the same patterns keep reappearing despite your hard efforts—EMDR might help move past that roadblock.
3.) You have experienced trauma or loss
Maybe you experienced childhood trauma, a car accident, had a recent breakup—EMDR is extremely effective for processing.
4.) You are ready to heal, but not ready to talk in detail
The really awesome thing about EMDR, is that you don’t even have to talk for it to work! Sometimes the trauma/event and/or negative belief about yourself is too intense where we do not want to talk. That is OK! EMDR is still going to be highly effective.
What does EMDR Feel like?
Some EMDR clients describe the feeling of EMDR as intense, but calming. You remain fully awake and in control of the entire session. It is important to note that EMDR is NOT hypnosis. You will be asked to identify the worst part of a memory or what picture comes to mind when you identify a negative thought or belief about yourself. Thinking about these “worst parts” can bring up strong emotions— however, most people state that they feel lighter and less triggered after several sessions.
Does EMDR work with children?
YES!!!! Absolutely! Actually, EMDR works quicker with children compared to adults because a child’s brain is not having to process as much information or travel as many neural networks when compared to adults. It is important that your therapist is trained in working with children utilizing EMDR, as specialized training is needed and EMDR may look different when working with children. I personally have seen many kids graduate from therapy quicker and sooner when I utilize EMDR. I have seen middle schoolers stop attending in-person school due to bullying, test anxiety, or even a lack of friendships start EMDR, then return back to school in-person. These same kids even report no anxiety when asked 6 months after finishing EMDR.
Who should not do EMDR?
Even though EMDR is such a powerful tool— it is not ideal for everyone at that moment. Sometimes we may need to wait just a little longer to get to reprocessing. I may suggest delayed reprocessing if you:
Are in active crisis
Suicidal/homicidal
Lack of coping skills
Dissociative tendencies
