How Long Does EMDR Therapy Take to Work and its Phases

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a way of using eye movement and psychotherapy together. The aim is to use physical movement in the patient to distract them while they talk about their traumas.

This is an effective way to treat Fibromyalgia caused physical and emotional pain; PTSD or traumatic incidents in a patient's life, psychosis or hallucinations and even symptoms of schizophrenia.

Stress is a psychological and emotional disturbance that everyone at some point or the other experiences in their lives. When not treated it can become chronic and debilitating. The best way to handle stress is to treat it medically.

EMDR Therapy is an alternative way of treatment if one were to avoid taking heavy drugs. This therapy usually takes 60 minutes to 90 minutes on an average. It can be coupled with other therapies or used individually.

There are typically eight different phases to EMDR therapy. They are as below:

• Phase one: Checking previous records and treatment: The therapist will firstly study the patient's previous medical records and ascertain what treatment to be given. This includes the first stage of recalling traumas and allowing assessment.
• Phase two: Preparing the patient: Before beginning therapy the sufferer needs to be ready for it. Relaxation techniques and breath control exercises go a long way. Once they are composed and prepared it is advisable to go to the next phase.
• Phase three: Evaluation: The therapist will next graduate to evaluating whatever the patient has downloaded while talking. He/ she will decide which particular issues need to be dealt with and how.
• Phase four: At this stage the eye movement along with recalling traumatic memories begins. The eye movement is supposed to distract the person while they talk about incidents.
• Phase five and six: The convalescent is then guided to blank their mind while focusing on eye movement so that this can relieve them of suffering.
• Phase seven: Here they refocus after blanking out or continue to recall other negative incidents or experiences.
• Phase eight: Finally both patient and therapist assess whether the session has been successful and beneficial or not.

A Depression Psychologist can easily do this therapy for those who are suffering. They are trained and equipped to deal with patients who need the treatment..

This process usually takes about 12 sessions. Issues such as eating disorder, anxiety, panic disorder are successfully treated with this therapy.

If you know someone who is suffering, take them for medical help immediately. “Read more” for continued information on mental health and how to help.