Question 1

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing- it is an approach to therapy that was introduced by the Late Francine Shapiro in 1987 that has continued to evolve these last few decades.  EMDR is traditionally a therapy that is used for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.  Traditionally it was used with eye movements following the therapist’s fingers as Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) while a client was accessing a traumatic memory.  The BLS has been thought to help information be processed in the brain.  EMDR can help to reduce the overwhelming feelings associated with traumatic events, while grounding you in the safety of the present, and helps you to connect to new, adaptive information to help make sense of the event and develop a future belief about yourself.  You may have seen TV episodes utilizing EMDR or watched a clip or read about a celebrity on social media who swears by its healing properties that has sparked your curiosity about this unique therapy approach.  For more information, you may look at EMDRIA’s website; and if you would like to speak to me about working with me in therapy using EMDR,  please hit the contact button and reach out.

Question 2

Is online EMDR effective?

Accepted Answer

Virtual EMDR is done online and there have been some studies demonstrating the effectiveness of online therapy including Virtual EMDR delivered remotely.  You can find more information here: https://www.emdria.org/research/online-emdr-therapy-recent-research-and-overview(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  Online EMDR is used with video conferencing platforms. While the traditional form of EMDR therapy involves the therapist guiding the patient's eye movements, online EMDR therapy can use other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as hand tapping the self, following objects across the screen with your eyes or listening to audio tones ; there are even web applications that can be used for eye movements, tactile buzzers and audio tones.     It is important to ensure that your therapist is licensed and experienced in providing EMDR therapy online, your internet connection is stable, and that you have a secure and private environment for your sessions. As with any form of therapy, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy online may vary depending on individual circumstances and the severity of the issue being addressed.  Virtual EMDR is done online and there have been some studies demonstrating the effectiveness of online therapy including Virtual EMDR delivered remotely.  You can find more information here: https://www.emdria.org/research/online-emdr-therapy-recent-research-and-overview

Question 3

Who is online EMDR for?

Accepted Answer

Online EMDR therapy is convenient and accessible option for individuals who are unable to attend in-person sessions or prefer the privacy and comfort of their own home.    Online EMDR Teletherapy is delivered remotely including virtual EMDR allows a client to cast a wider net in search of therapists who specialize and can offer EMDR outside their immediate vicinity, or if there are no in office EMDR therapists close to where they live.   Online EMDR therapy also allows for flexibility in scheduling and can be more cost-effective. However, it is important to note that online EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone and it is important to consult with a licensed therapist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Question 4

Is EMDR used for conditions other than PTSD?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that has been widely used to treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma-related disorders. However, EMDR is used in treating a range of other mental health conditions. These include:   Anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder) -  Depression -  Phobias (e.g. fear of flying, fear of spiders) -  Addiction (e.g. substance abuse, gambling addiction) - Eating disorders (e.g. binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa) -  Chronic pain - Performance anxiety (e.g. stage fright, test anxiety)    EMDR works by helping individuals process and integrate distressing memories and emotions that are associated with past traumatic events. It also can be used with preparation and visual imagery of future anticipated events.

Inner Self Therapy by Ann Simonds CA License LMFT112200

Inner Self Therapy by
Ann Simonds CA License LMFT112200