Success Rate of EMDR Therapy

Understanding Trauma and Safety

A traumatic event occurs when someone can no longer keep themselves or someone they care about safe, or there is a perception that safety is compromised. While we typically think of trauma as resulting from major events like car accidents or natural disasters, people often come into therapy to address trauma stemming from experiences such as parents screaming at them, losing their job, or a friend moving away. When we think of safety, we have to remember that it encompasses both immediate physical safety and long-term emotional well-being. As humans, losing connection with others can trigger panic because we innately understand that this loss threatens our safety. We are safe in groups and unsafe outside of them. Anything that isolates us, whether it’s losing a close friend or making an offhanded comment that alienates us from our peers, results in a perceived loss of safety.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy used to help people who have gone through traumatic events. Unlike other types of therapy, EMDR involves moving your eyes in a specific way while thinking about the traumatic event. During a session, the therapist will ask you to focus on a troubling memory while following their finger with your eyes or listening to tapping sounds. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory, making it less upsetting.

Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy

1. PTSD Treatment Success:

   • EMDR has shown significant effectiveness in treating trauma and was originally created to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study by van der Kolk and colleagues found that 77% of participants diagnosed with PTSD were symptom-free after six sessions of EMDR therapy. Another study indicated that 90% of single-trauma victims no longer met the criteria for PTSD after three 90-minute EMDR sessions. The success rate in the second study highlights how quickly individuals can progress through EMDR therapy when they are experiencing PTSD symptoms from a single trauma rather than chronic PTSD from multiple traumatic events.

2. Chronic PTSD:

   • Chronic PTSD cannot be diagnosed in the United States by licensed professional counselors or clinical social workers as it is not listed in the DSM-5. However, most clinicians agree there is a significant difference between individuals who meet the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for chronic PTSD and those who have experienced acute trauma leading to PTSD. For individuals without a chronic PTSD diagnosis but who have experienced acute trauma, EMDR can be incredibly effective and quick in reducing and eliminating symptoms. For those with chronic developmental trauma, EMDR is still effective, though the treatment process is longer than for those without such trauma. EMDR generally works more quickly than other trauma therapies like trauma-focused CBT.

3. Short-Term Treatment:

   • One of the great advantages of EMDR is how quickly it can produce results. Many people start feeling better after just a few sessions. On average, individuals with single-event trauma may need about six to twelve sessions to see improvement, which is much faster than some other types of therapy that can take months or even years.

4. Long-Lasting Effects:

   • The effects of EMDR do not typically wear off once a target memory or a network of memories has been desensitized. These changes are usually lasting. However, individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and certain neurodivergent individuals might need to revisit previously desensitized targets multiple times. This means that some people may need to go over the same memories again if they have had a traumatic brain injury or specific types of neurodivergence.

5. Wide Range of Conditions:

   • EMDR has also been found effective in treating disorders such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. For instance, one study found that EMDR reduced anxiety symptoms in 70% of participants.

Why Does EMDR Work?

While the exact mechanism of how EMDR works is still being studied, one promising theory is the dual attention mechanism. This theory suggests that the body processes and stores trauma differently if the mind and body are distracted while processing the traumatic event. EMDR was established in the 1980s, and although the precise mechanism remains unclear, it is one of the most well-researched therapies in the mental health field. The theory posits that the eye movements in EMDR might mimic the processes occurring during REM sleep, facilitating the brain's ability to reprocess and heal from trauma.

EMDR Intensives and Retreats

Discussing the success rate of EMDR therapy would be incomplete without mentioning EMDR intensives and retreats. Recent research with law enforcement in the UK has shown that EMDR intensives can quadruple the progress of clients compared to typical sessions. At our practice, Cassandra has been conducting EMDR intensives for three years. This fall, we will start hosting EMDR retreats, offering clients the chance to engage in nine hours of EMDR therapy over a weekend. These retreats include additional bodywork such as chiropractic care and massage, all meals provided, debriefing groups, and structured body movement to enhance the success of EMDR therapy. Similar retreats in the Netherlands have shown incredible success. If you are interested in participating in EMDR but find it challenging to commit to weekly sessions, or if you prefer a more immersive experience, please contact us via text or email to join our interest list for the retreat.

Conclusion

When being led by A good EMDR therapist, EMDR therapy has a high success rate for treating trauma and various mental health conditions. Research consistently shows that it can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in a short time, with lasting effects. Many individuals report substantial improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being after EMDR therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, consider exploring EMDR therapy as a treatment option. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation. With the right support, healing and moving forward are entirely possible.

Meet With an EMDR Therapist in Springfield, MO

Ready to explore the transformative journey of EMDR therapy in Springfield, MO? Discover the right path for you by asking our EMDR therapist the essential questions. That way you can decide if EMDR and Seen Therapy are the right fit for you. Follow these three simple steps:

1. Reach out by texting or calling 417-708-7909.

2. Start meeting with an EMDR therapist who is trained to support you

3. Find healing in a safe and supportive space at our Southern Missouri therapy practice

Sources:

• van der Kolk, B. A., et al. (2007). "A Randomized Clinical Trial of EMDR, Fluoxetine, and Pill Placebo in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46.

• Shapiro, F. (1989). "Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories." Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199-223.

• Maxfield, L., & Hyer, L. A. (2002). "The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD." Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 23-41.

• Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). "A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories." Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239.

• Goldstein, A. P., & Feske, U. (1994). "EMDR for anxiety disorders: empirical status and clinical recommendations." Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 8(4), 351-362.

• Bradley, R., Greene, J., Russ, E., Dutra, L., & Westen, D. (2005). "A multidimensional meta-analysis of psychotherapy for PTSD." American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 214-227.