How To Tell If EMDR Is Right For You

Let’s dive into this. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) often seems mysterious, but I’ve seen its impact firsthand.

Here’s what I’ve learned that can help make EMDR effective:

1. Do You Have a Strong Support Network?

Just like with any therapy, having a support system is key. EMDR can stir up intense emotions, and feeling connected to even one or two people you trust is essential. If building this network is a challenge, don’t worry—that’s something we can work on together. Often, EMDR helps tackle the emotional blocks that prevent you from deepening relationships. But if you already have a community, EMDR can be even more powerful. Many of my clients find that their support network is solid, but there’s a lingering belief that they don’t deserve that love. EMDR helps clear that up, setting you free to fully embrace the life you’ve built.

2. Can You Manage Overwhelming Feelings on Your Own?

EMDR reprocesses tough memories, which can sometimes bring up emotions you’ve been avoiding. This is normal and part of the healing process. However, it’s crucial to have skills in place to manage these feelings outside of our sessions. Self-soothing, grounding, and reaching out to your support network are key. If you’re still developing these skills, we might spend more time in the prep phase to build them up before diving into memory processing. It’s not about rushing—it’s about doing it right.

3. How Experienced Is Your Therapist in EMDR?

So, you’re ready to give EMDR a shot—great! But before you jump in, ask your therapist a few important questions: How often do you practice EMDR? How do you prepare clients for intense emotions? How much training do you have? Ideally, you want a therapist who practices EMDR regularly, not just occasionally. Consistent practice and ongoing training make a better EMDR therapist.

Look for an EMDR-certified therapist if possible. This certification ensures they’ve met strict standards, including 25 hours of consultation, regular training, and experience with at least 50 clients. It’s a bit of homework done for you, so you can focus on your healing.

4. Are You Dealing with One Specific Issue or a Complex Web of Issues?

Here’s the deal: simpler issues usually mean shorter therapy. If you’re dealing with a single event, like a car accident or the loss of a co-worker, therapy might be quicker. But if your trauma is more complex—like repeated experiences of neglect or abuse—it’s going to take longer. Complex trauma often involves layers of psychological pain that need time to untangle. Remember, therapy lasts as long as you need it to, and you’re always in control of that timeline.

5. But Wait—You Don’t Have a Memory of What Happened!

That’s okay! You don’t need to have a clear memory of a traumatic event for EMDR to be effective. Sometimes, trauma is stored in your body and mind in ways that don’t involve a clear narrative. EMDR works by helping you process the emotions and sensations tied to these experiences, even if the memories are fuzzy or fragmented. Your body knows what happened, and EMDR helps bring those pieces together so you can heal.

6. Still Have Questions?

No worries! I couldn’t cover everything here, but I’m happy to chat more. Feel free to reach out for a consultation at liberty@libertyeleztherapy.com. Let’s see if EMDR is right for you!