EMDR and Why It’s Effective for More Than Just Trauma

By Dr. Bradford Stucki

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR for short, has become a widely and commonly used technique for treating PTSD. For many practitioners, it is the top choice for a starting point. As the years have passed and more research has been conducted, what once was heralded as a trauma treatment has seen expanded use. It has seen some transformation and is no longer just an intervention but a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy. 

So what is it, and what does it actually work with?

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapy technique originally developed in the 1980s as a primary treatment for PTSD. It incorporates eye movement and bilateral stimulation while working through a traumatic memory. The eye movement component simulates your natural eye movements during a REM sleep cycle. 

How Does EMDR Work?

The purpose of EMDR is to assist you in reprocessing and healing from a negative memory from a traumatic experience. You will choose a memory to focus on in collaboration with your provider. During an EMDR session, those eye movements will be initiated, and the provider will use certain bilateral stimulation while you focus on your memory. 

EMDR differs from traditional therapeutic approaches in that it doesn’t solely work with talk therapy. The goal of EMDR is to challenge and change your thought processes and emotions associated with your memories. 

There are eight phases in the cycle of EMDR. These include history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scanning, closure, and reevaluation. 

EMDR Can Treat Multiple Conditions

Research and track records show that EMDR has been effective with treatment outcomes for PTSD. As time has progressed, there has been evidence to suggest that EMDR can be effective for more than just trauma. 

Many psychological conditions or disorders can have direct ties to past traumatic events. The EMDR protocol can be used with many other issues. 

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating can all have an underlying psychological cause. Whenever that gets triggered, it can lead to poor self-esteem, negative self-talk, low self-worth, and body image issues. 

EMDR can help with eating disorder management by focusing treatment on processing those triggers. You can reprocess negative beliefs about yourself and shift to more productive coping mechanisms.

Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety can stem from multiple factors, including trauma, environmental factors, genetics, psychological factors, and biological factors. EMDR can help target issues contributing to any symptoms you may be experiencing. 

Reprocessing certain emotions can reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness in depression. For anxiety, it can work on distressing memories and emotions to reduce anxious feelings and increase control.

Phobias

EMDR can help target distressing memories or thoughts that are related to any phobia you may have. Through treatment, you can reduce your fear responses, emotional distress, and anxiety. Additionally, desensitization to the phobia can improve your quality of life. 

With EMDR, it allows you to address your phobia in a safe and controlled environment. For example, this can include fears of spiders, heights, flying, or public speaking. 

OCD

EMDR has shown some promise with OCD treatment to target obsessions and compulsions. During your sessions, you can work to develop new thought processes and perspectives, decrease any anxiety, and improve your ability to cope with OCD behaviors. 

Personal Growth

If you’re not experiencing any specific or severe mental health conditions, EMDR can still be beneficial for you. It’s a versatile way to address self-esteem issues, performance-related concerns, and limiting beliefs. 

For personal growth, EMDR can help improve your self-awareness, increase self-esteem, enhance personal and professional performance, and foster resilience for future challenges. 

Are you interested in exploring EMDR therapy and learning more about its benefits for your current situation? Contact us today to learn more.

About Dr. Bradford Stucki

Dr. Bradford Stucki is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults in Utah, Virginia, and Texas who have experienced trauma in their childhoods or trauma as an adult. Dr. Stucki also has expertise in treating anxiety, and relationship problems. Dr. Stucki has specialized training in working with PTSD as well as couples issues. His private practice, BridgeHope Family Therapy (https://www.bridgehopefamilytherapy.com/) is in Utah.

If you’re interested in understanding more about how somatic practices can help you, consider working with a Somatic Therapist or Practitioner. The Embody Lab’s Somatic Therapist and Practitioner Directory can help you find the right practitioner to support your journey towards more self-compassion, connection, and authenticity. Explore our directory and find the support you need.