We live in a time of simple comparisons — designed to be shared in brief posts, tweets, etc. Life, of course, is far more nuanced than that. For example, when someone associates eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with hypnosis (hypnotherapy), it’s understandable at first glance. However, we can identify how these two treatment approaches differ upon closer examination.

Yes, they both involve specially trained practitioners inducing a mental state in which change is more possible. But, as always, there is more to this comparison. Not to mention, as with all healing modalities, a lot depends on the specifics of each situation.

EMDR and Hypnosis: Some Key Differences

Hypnosis can be very effective, but it is not a form of psychotherapy like EMDR. Hypnotherapy practitioners are not universally licensed or regulated, while EMDR is administered by specialists with advanced degrees. This is not meant to overstate credentialism’s role; instead, we must be acutely aware of who we trust with our mental health. Beyond that, here are three points of divergence between EMDR and hypnosis:

How Goals Are Addressed

No two people are the same. The same goes for mental health professionals. Thus, we are speaking generally when stating that EMDR is more typically used to address multiple goals. Hypnosis can be most effective with a single focus and shorter duration (see below). EMDR may involve fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy, but even so, it will almost always last longer than hypnotherapy protocols.

Dealing With Trauma

EMDR was initially designed for treating trauma. Its usage is far more widespread now, but EMDR remains a frontline approach for trauma survivors, including people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). Hypnosis, on the other hand, can be most helpful for victims of trauma when used as a complementary tool.

Length of Treatment

As touched on above, EMDR has a predetermined protocol while hypnosis is more spontaneous. It could last a session or two, while EMDR usually lasts at least 8 to 12 sessions. This difference should not be viewed as an advantage or disadvantage, but it may be an issue. For some folks

Must We Judge One Option as “Better” Than The Other?

Of course, there is more to both options, but more to conversations like this. In a time when people seem particularly divided, we can practice making healthy comparisons right here and right now. You don’t have to demean one treatment in the name of preferring the other. In other words, there are many valid reasons why you might choose EMDR or hypnosis, which are not the same as criticisms.

Here are just a few of the crucial factors we must consider when choosing between EMDR and hypnosis or between any two mental health options:

• If you have a personal preference, you may lean in that direction, but be sure to do your due diligence to learn as much as possible.
• In instances when cost plays a deciding role, talk with the practitioners to see if any other options exist.
• It’s common and easy to dismiss anything out of the ordinary (like hypnotherapy) as “woo-woo.” Even if you don’t try such a therapy, you can gain plenty from doing your own research.
• Also, you or someone you know may have tried one of the choices you’re considering. This is an important consideration, of course. However, getting out of your comfort zone might be what you need!

Choosing between EMDR and hypnosis is an excellent way to find the treatment that’s ideal for you. It’s also an opportunity to hone your discernment and open your mind. Reach out to learn more about EMDR therapy.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an unusual but rapidly growing form of therapy. It has a well-justified reputation for effective treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues. Considering that 70 percent of U.S. adults will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, EMDR’s stellar record is obviously welcome. However, this unique modality can help people with many other mental health conditions.

In the name of guiding people in need to seek out this powerful, short-term option, let’s take a look at some of the conditions that can be addressed by EMDR and precisely how it does what it does.

Can EMDR Help With All Mental Health Conditions?

Needless to say, it’s dodgy to say any treatment approach can help with all conditions. Plus, of course, every person and situation is different. Even so, we can definitely point to a long list of disorders and symptoms (aside from trauma) for which EMDR has been found to provide positive effects. These include:

• Depression
• Anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders
• Performance anxiety
• Excessive worry
• Low self-esteem and motivation
• Apathy
• Chronic illnesses
• Hallucinations
• Sleep disturbances
• Delusions
• Social withdrawal
• Dissociative disorders
• Disordered eating
• Chronic pain (including low back pain)
• Personality disorders
• Gender dysphoria
• Addictions
• Triggers and cravings
• Complicated grief
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Psychosis
• Thoughts of self-harm

This introductory list will probably pique your interest. But to better determine if EMDR is right for you, it helps to know more about how it works. While EMDR is technically considered a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), it is unlike what most people imagine therapy to look and feel like. As with any approach, it starts with a getting-to-know-you session, but then it takes some unexpected turns.

EMDR Therapy Basics

You and your therapist will discuss possible thoughts or memories to focus on. If the overarching problem is anxiety, your focus might involve an event in which you felt nervous, embarrassed, or extremely worried. You concentrate intently on these thoughts while the EMDR therapist moves their hands and fingers in front of your face. Your task is to follow these movements by rapidly moving your eyes from side to side.

This combination induces a state of mind that stimulates both brain hemispheres. In this state — similar to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep — you can recall distressing experiences without being triggered. Thus, you can better process and resolve the discomfort and replace those sensations with a positive memory, goal, or affirmation.

In relatively few sessions, you will find yourself more easily viewing situations as less daunting or challenging. These sessions encompass eight phases.

The 8 Phases of EMDR

• Phase 1: As touched on above, treatment begins by taking a history and choosing a focus.
• Phase 2: Because you will be addressing uncomfortable scenarios, some stress reduction skills are introduced and refined.
• Phases 3-6: This is where and when the hand and eye movements take place. The client will keep track of what thoughts and bodily sensations are associated with the focus of the sessions.
• Phase 7: Self-monitoring is a crucial component so, the client will keep a journal to track progress, triggers, etc.
• Phase 8: As the EMDR treatment moves toward resolution, the client and therapist discuss what has transpired (using the client started in phase 7) and evaluate what else needs to be done.

It’s important to note that EMDR relieves the client from the type of side effects that typically arise from medications. Outside of minimal light-headedness and/or an increase in vivid dreams, the EMDR process will not bring about a side effect burden.

These are the EMDR fundamentals. To learn more, we invite you to contact us for EMDR therapy.

What if we told you there’s a form of therapy that’s more about eye and hand movements than talking? How about if we added that it takes relatively few sessions and has a stellar success rate? You’d surely be curious and we would surely be talking about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

EMDR is renowned for its effectiveness with trauma survivors and is now being used for an increasing number of issues. Using eye and hand movement to induce n REM-like state has been found to create a safe space for processing negative memories and thought patterns. With this in mind, let’s explore the 8 phases of EMDR Therapy.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

Phase 1: History Taking/Treatment Planning

As might be expected, EMDR begins with some fundamental conversations between therapist and client. It is essential that trust is created and underlying issues are examined. Part of this process involves taking a history of the client to ascertain what led them to this point.

Phase 2: Preparation

EMDR is an unusual and unexpected form of therapy. The client will surely want an explanation of what to expect. During Phase 2, questions and concerns are dealt with head-on. Once the client feels comfortable with what they have learned, the specific EMDR techniques are explained. This gives the client a sense of being prepared for the treatment.

Phase 3: Assessment

Here is where the nuts and bolts start to kick in. A hallmark of EMDR is choosing a “target event.” This means the client and therapist collaborate to choose what event, thought, or memory is to be reprocessed. Subjective baseline measures are set and will be referred to later.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where the preprocessing commences. Your therapist uses side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps while you focus on the target event. This procedure is repeated until your subjective baseline measure of trauma or stress is reduced to zero.

Phase 5: Installation

In Phase 4, you were desensitized to the negative memory. Phase 5 is where you “replace” that negative sensation with something very positive. While the therapist uses the same techniques mentioned above, the client focuses on a positive belief until it feels completely true.

Phase 6: Body Scan

To wrap up the reprocessing section, the client will next hold two things in mind at once. There’s the fully processed target event and there’s the new positive belief. You’ll be guided through a full body scan to discern if any disturbances are still lingering. If so, they are reprocessed.

Phase 7: Closure

After such a powerful and intense experience, Phase 7 eases you into a feeling of safety and closure. With help from the therapist, you calmly transition back into the present moment. Subjective baseline measures are set again.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

This phase begins in the next session. It is an important way to gauge a client’s state of mind and body before more reprocessing is done. Through discussion and subjective baseline measures, distress level and positive cognition are assessed. It is in Phase 8 that the client and therapist decide together as to what the new target event will be.

Is EMDR the Right Choice For You?

EMDR Therapy helps you create enough distance from a potentially traumatic memory to process and resolve it without being triggered. It does so, most often, in just 6 to 12 sessions. The results are measurable and long-lasting.

If this sounds like something you would like to explore, we invite you to reach out for more information. Let’s connect for a free and confidential consultation for EMDR Therapy.