Fourteen controlled studies of EMDR make it the most thoroughly researched method ever used in the treatment of trauma! A recent study of individuals who experienced rape, military combat, loss of loved ones, disasters and serious accidents, found that 84-90% had relief of their emotional distress after only three EMDR sessions. Another study showed that EMDR was twice as effective in half the amount of time of standard traditional psychotherapeutic care. Another study of subjects with post traumatic stress revealed that the significant improvement they gained with the EMDR treatments were maintained for at least 15 months.
Although some people have dramatic responses in a short period of time, others will progress more slowly. However, the results will be equally effective and long-lasting.
Since the initial medical study in 1989, world-wide research has helped develop and evolve EMDR. To date, more than half a million people have benefited from this form of therapy.
Is EMDR Hypnosis?
No. During the EMDR session, the client is awake, alert and in control at all times. The healing that takes place with EMDR is much faster than with hypnotherapy. Like hypnosis, EMDR seems to work with the unconscious mind, bringing into consciousness the repressed thoughts and feelings that must be experienced again in order to release their energetic hold on the person.
What Training Does an EMDR Therapist Need?
Only practicing, licensed psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers and counselors may receive the EMDR training. These are the only mental health professionals qualified to use such therapy with clients. A clinical background is necessary for proper application of the techniques. This is a highly specialized method that requires supervised training for therapeutic effectiveness and client safety. In the words of the Behavior Therapist Journal, “Clients are at risk if untrained clinicians attempts to use EMDR.” It may be wise to request that the therapist provide you with evidence of their EMDR certificate of training.
Some Objectives of EMDR Therapy
Thanks to the on-going success of EMDR therapy for hundreds of thousands of people, it is not difficult to have high expectations for a therapy program that includes this technique. The short-term benefits of EMDR are simple and straightforward - the immediate relief of emotional distress and the elimination of the debilitating effect of unresolved past trauma. Longer-term benefits include the restoration of each client’s natural state of emotional functioning. This return to normalcy brings with it a greater sense of personal power, more rewarding relationships and a more peaceful life.
Paul Solari, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
Somatic, EMDR, Trauma Holistic Approach Individuals and Couples