EMDR

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Inspire Behavioral Health is proud to offer EMDR therapy and have qualified EMDR therapists in Northern Virginia. 

What does EMDR therapy treatment involve?

After the EMDR therapist and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, the beginning sessions will involve discussing what the client wants to work on and improving the client’s ability to manage distress.

When ready for the next phases of EMDR therapy, the client will be asked to focus on a specific event. Attention will be given to a negative image, belief, emotion, and body feeling related to this event and then to a positive belief indicating the issue was resolved.

While the client focuses on the upsetting event, the therapist will begin sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, and/or handheld buzzers. The client will be guided to notice what comes to mind after each set. They may or may not experience shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the event.

The client has complete control to stop the therapist at any point if needed. The sets of bilateral stimulation are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing.

EMDR therapy in Northern Virginia at Inspire Behavioral Health may be used within a standard talking therapy, as adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a solo treatment.

How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take?

A typical EMDR therapy session lasts about 60 minutes. It could take one or several sessions to process one traumatic experience.

The goal of EMDR therapy is to completely process the traumatic experiences that are causing problems and to include new ones needed for full health. The amount of time it will take to complete EMDR treatment for traumatic experiences will depend upon the client’s history. Complete treatment of a single EMDR trauma target involves a three-pronged protocol to alleviate the symptoms and address the complete clinical picture. The three prongs include: past memories, present disturbance, and future actions. Although EMDR therapy may produce results more rapidly than other forms of therapy, speed is not the goal of therapy, and it is essential to remember that every client has different needs. 

“Processing” in EMDR Therapy

“Processing” does not mean talking about a traumatic experience. “Processing” means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences causing problems to be “digested” and stored appropriately in your brain. That means that what is useful to you from an experience will be learned and stored with appropriate emotions in your brain and can guide you positively in the future.

The inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded. Negative emotions, feelings, and behaviors are generally caused by unresolved earlier experiences pushing you in the wrong direction. The goal of EMDR therapy is to leave you with the emotions, understanding, and perspectives that will lead to healthy and useful behaviors and interactions.

Qualifying for EMDR

EMDR therapy in Northern Virginia is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. While it can be a powerful tool for healing, it’s not suitable for everyone. A qualified mental health professional can assess if EMDR is the right approach for you. An EMDR therapist will consider your specific needs, mental health history, and any current diagnoses.

If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR and whether it might benefit you, reach out to Inspire Behavioral Health today. Our team of experienced therapists can help you explore your treatment options and determine the best path forward for your mental well-being.

To learn more about EMDR, call Inspire Behavioral Health today or book an in-person appointment at our Vienna VA, Fairfax VA or Sterling VA Offices or a telehealth appointment online.

At Inspire Behavioral Health we offer services such as MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PSYCHOTHERAPY, ADHD TESTING, TMS, SPRAVATO, PRIMARY CARE, MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS, PSYCHIATRIC GENETIC TESTING plus treatments for ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PTSD, BIPOLAR and PANIC DISORDER.