What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on assisting individuals in processing traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional intensity, and facilitating the integration of the traumatic experience into their past, enabling them to progress in their lives. This process follows four steps: history-taking, preparing the client, assessing the target memory, and processing the memory and finding an adaptive resolution. After this, Thriveworks EMDR therapists in Austin will continue to help individuals process the memory and evaluate the results of the treatment to ensure its effectiveness.
Who could benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is primarily employed to aid individuals who have endured trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and who have experienced other distressing life events.
Who should not do EMDR?
EMDR therapy is generally less suitable for individuals currently experiencing acute trauma or those who have not yet acquired fundamental coping and distress tolerance skills. To engage in EMDR therapy effectively, one must possess a certain degree of distress tolerance.
What is the success rate of EMDR therapy?
EMDR tends to be very effective in relieving the negative symptoms associated with trauma. In a study performed by Francine Shapiro called The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences (2014), results showed that after just three EMDR sessions, 84% of participants reported a remission of PTSD diagnosis. EMDR will often have a higher success rate for survivors of a single traumatic event than for those who have experienced repeated or multiple instances of trauma when EMDR is performed for the same amount of time. This is due to the increased intensity of the trauma and the need to process multiple events.
How much does EMDR therapy cost?
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network. Because of the shorter duration, EMDR services alone can cost less than ongoing therapy.
Is EMDR therapy usually covered by insurance?
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, accepting 585+ insurance plans. This means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, we also offer self-pay options for those who are out-of-network.
Is EMDR therapy conducted in person or online?
If you’re looking for EMDR therapists in Austin, TX, you’re in luck. EMDR therapy at Thriveworks can be conducted both in person at one of our many offices around the U.S. and online via remote video conferencing. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How many sessions is EMDR usually?
Generally, EMDR is a shorter-term therapy, typically encompassing multiple sessions. While some individuals may make substantial progress within just a few sessions, others may opt for an extended treatment period, particularly if dealing with complex or severe trauma or conditions.
Need more help deciding?
Eye-catching Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization goes Mainstream
It had been almost six months since the accident, and Thomas felt himself getting worse, not better. He could not escape the screeching sound of the tires and shattering glass. He was unable to turn his mind off from the moment the truck slammed into his car. As time passed, his flashbacks and insomnia increased. Thomas, had difficulty driving and remembering where he was going. Thomas sought help with therapist, Dr. Gayle, who specializes in EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR involves a variety of techniques, not only eye movement.
After taking a history, Dr, Gayle handed Thomas two small disks that pulsed in his palms. He also wore headphones that delivered audio tones to alternating ears. The session continued for Thomas to think about images from the accident, and a negative belief he had about himself when he thought about the incident. She also asked him to rate that belief on a scale from 0-10, and how he hoped to transform it. After three sessions, Thomas said, “his panic attacks subsided”.
Where traditional therapies may take months, EMDR takes only a few sessions. EMDR was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro and recently gained mainstream approval. Shapiro thinks EMDR effects are like that of REM, or rapid eye movement. Researchers say that during REM, the brain consolidates learning and memories; it is also when we dream. In 2004, the American Psychiatric Association and the departments of Veterans Affairs, and Defense have recommended EMDR as a method to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
EMDR sessions look something like this: The client identifies a problem. Then describes how the event creates a belief about the event. The client also states what they hope to believe about themselves in the future. In 15- to 20- second “sets the therapist has the client listen to tones and feel tactile pulses. The client recalls the event, as well as its sights, sounds, and smells. Meanwhile, the therapist continues the “sets.” Clients remain awake and aware. After each set, the therapist asks the client how their perceptions of themselves may have changed. “The client guides you,” said Dr, Gayle, who has used EMDR for several years. “As long as, the process is moving, we continue.”
“Some clients may require only one session of EMDR before finding the memory less disturbing, while others may need more. Three sessions seem to be the average. We schedule three Sessions for $460 (approximately 60-90-minute sessions) for three consecutive weeks. After one session, most people experience a lessening of negative emotions around the event, said Dr. Gayle. Many therapists think EMDR helps the rational left side of the brain to “knit” a disturbing memory from the emotional right side. Millions of people have been treated and research supports the remarkable claims made for EMDR therapy. Please Call Thriveworks and schedule your EMDR session now at 512.649.3050. You can email Dr. Gayle at DrGayle@thriveworks.com.
