EMDR: understanding and experiencing this liberating therapy
What if you could erase the pain from a memory without losing the memory itself? EMDR therapy makes it possible. This approach uses eye movements to free the brain from trauma, profoundly transforming our relationship with painful experiences that imprison us.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy transforms our relationship with trauma. I explain how this approach frees the mind from painful memories that imprison us.
Definition and origin
Imagine being able to erase the pain from a memory without erasing the memory itself. That is what EMDR offers. This method, whose name means “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing,” was discovered by chance in 1987. American psychologist Francine Shapiro was walking in a park when she noticed that her negative thoughts faded as her eyes moved rapidly. This fortuitous observation led her to develop a powerful technique against post-traumatic stress.
Basic mechanisms
How does this fascinating method work? EMDR uses alternating bilateral stimulations—mainly eye movements from right to left. These movements, combined with the evocation of the traumatic memory, allow the brain to “digest” the information differently. I like to compare this process to a computer defragmenting its hard drive. The brain reorganizes the traumatic memory and integrates it as a past experience without excessive emotional charge. The memory remains, but the pain is significantly reduced.
Who is EMDR recommended for?
Are you wondering if this therapy could help you? EMDR is suitable for many profiles and psychological disorders.
Treatment of post-traumatic stress
Post-traumatic stress is the main indication for EMDR. Recognized by the World Health Organization since 2013, this approach helps people who have experienced upsetting events. Car accident, assault, terrorist attack, natural disaster… These experiences often leave deep marks. EMDR effectively targets symptoms such as flashbacks, recurring nightmares, hypervigilance, and paralyzing anxiety that accompany these traumas.
Other potential indications
EMDR is not limited to major traumas. This therapy also helps with:
- Specific phobias (plane, animals, heights)
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Certain cases of depression related to traumatic events
- Complicated grief
- Self-esteem weakened by negative experiences
I have seen remarkable results in patients suffering from addictions related to trauma. EMDR proves valuable for anyone whose past hinders the present.
How does an EMDR session take place?
Walking into an EMDR therapist’s office for the first time can feel intimidating. Here is what to expect concretely.
Preparation phase
The first session will not plunge you directly into your difficult memories. Your therapist will first take the time to get to know you and establish a trusting relationship. You will discuss your history and the events that have marked you. Together, you will identify the memories to be treated and establish an appropriate therapeutic plan. Your practitioner will also teach you grounding and relaxation techniques. These tools will help you manage intense emotions that may arise during the treatment.
Bilateral stimulations and eye movements
The heart of the EMDR treatment starts during the following sessions. Your therapist will ask you to focus on a specific traumatic memory. You will identify the most disturbing image, the associated emotions and physical sensations, as well as the negative beliefs stemming from it. Then begin the eye movements: follow with your eyes the therapist’s finger moving horizontally in front of you. These back-and-forth movements last 20 to 30 seconds. After each series, you share what comes to mind. The process repeats until the emotional charge decreases significantly. It is fascinating to see how the mind gradually frees itself from its constraints.
How many sessions are necessary and at what cost?
Wondering about the necessary investment? The duration and price vary according to your personal situation.
Duration of therapy
Each therapeutic path is unique. For an isolated and recent trauma, 2 to 3 EMDR sessions may suffice. I have seen people transformed after only a few hours of treatment. On the other hand, multiple, old, or complex traumas generally require 10 to 20 sessions. Your therapist will space appointments two to four weeks apart. This period allows your brain to integrate the changes between each session. Patience pays off: the results obtained are often deep and lasting.
Prices and reimbursement
Let’s talk budget. In France, an EMDR session costs between 80 and 150 euros depending on the practitioner’s experience and your region. Sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes. If you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist in a public hospital, health insurance covers your sessions. In private practice, the situation differs. Some mutual insurance companies partially reimburse consultations with a contracted psychologist. Others offer “alternative medicine” packages sometimes including EMDR. Check with your supplementary health insurance to know your rights.
Where to find a qualified EMDR therapist?
The quality of your therapist will largely determine your experience. How to choose the right professional?
Directory of practitioners
To find a competent EMDR therapist, I recommend consulting the official directory of the EMDR France association. This directory lists only practitioners who have completed full and recognized training. You will find professionals near you with their contact details and specialties. The French EMDR Institute and the French School of EMDR Psychotherapy also offer lists of certified therapists. These reliable resources will save you from encountering insufficiently trained people.
Selection criteria
Not all practitioners are equal. A good EMDR therapist must have completed level 1 and 2 training, approximately 50 hours of learning. Verify that they benefit from regular supervision by experienced trainers. Don’t hesitate to ask about their background and certifications at the first contact. The therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in treatment effectiveness. Take the time for an initial meeting to assess if you feel comfortable. This solid therapeutic alliance will support you during the difficult moments of the healing process.
Take care of yourself
Your painful memories do not define your future. EMDR could be the key you are missing. Don’t wait any longer to contact a qualified therapist. Your brain deserves this chance to heal. Take this first step today.
Amanda
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- How does a Reiki session take place?
- Thai massage: do you know its history and benefits?
FAQ
Why choose EMDR rather than another therapy?
EMDR directly targets emotional memory, making it particularly effective for persistent traumatic memories. It allows rapid and lasting desensitization of emotions related to trauma, facilitating a more complete psychological healing than other therapeutic approaches. Its specific action on the reprocessing of traumatic information makes it a preferred choice for many trauma-related disorders.
How long does an EMDR session last?
An EMDR session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, sometimes up to 120 minutes. The duration varies depending on the complexity of the disorder treated and the patient’s progression during the session. The therapist adapts the necessary time according to reactions and the process of reprocessing traumatic memories.
Is EMDR risky or dangerous?
EMDR is a safe method when practiced by a trained and certified therapist. The main drawback remains the temporary reactivation of intense emotions during the session, which can create temporary discomfort. This reactivation is part of the normal therapeutic process and is supervised by the practitioner.
What results can be expected from EMDR?
Typical results include a significant reduction in traumatic symptoms, improved self-esteem, and lasting emotional release. Many patients notice significant relief after only a few sessions. The treatment transforms painful memories into neutral memories, reducing their negative emotional impact.
Does EMDR work for children?
Yes, EMDR is adapted for children from the age of 5. Protocols are modified according to the child’s age and level of development, with a more playful approach. This therapy effectively helps children overcome traumas such as accidents, abuse, or frightening experiences, with techniques suited to their understanding.
