FAQ’s about EMDR therapy in Detroit
Are you curious about EMDR? Have you heard about it but want to know more? You have come to the right place! We are here to answer all the questions you have about EMDR therapy in Detroit. You will learn what EMDR is, how it works, and if it could be the right approach for you. We will help you understand how EMDR helps to treat trauma, PTSD and other mental health disorders.
What is EMDR therapy in Detroit?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is a therapeutic intervention developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. It was created in the 1980s to help veterans with symptoms of PTSD. EMDR has evolved over time and no longer only focuses on treating veterans with PTSD. The American Psychiatric Association and Department of Veteran Affairs both recommend EMDR as an effective for treatment for trauma and PTSD. EMDR can also treat a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, phobias, etc.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements or bilateral stimulation. The goal of EMDR is to help you update disturbing experiences so they are no longer as bothersome. The eye movements are similar to what happens during the REM (rapid eye movement) cycle of sleep. During sleep, we alternate between regular sleep and REM. This sleep pattern helps you process things that are troubling you. EMDR replicates this sleep pattern by moving between sets of eye movements and brief reports about what you are noticing.
How is EMDR therapy in Detroit different?
EMDR helps you feel less stuck. It focuses on how adaptable the brain is! It helps you taking past experiences and update them with present information. EMDR can help organize negative and positive feelings, emotions, sensations and thoughts. In EMDR you do not have to talk about your experiences directly. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or alternating tapping), as the way to help you work through trauma or disturbing memories.
Do I always have to use eye movements?
No! Evidence shows that any bilateral or dual attention stimulation can be helpful. EMDR is tailored to meet your needs. One example of dual attention stimulation is tapping on alternating sides of the body. You can also use bilateral stimulation with “buzzers” that you can hold in your hands!
Can I do virtual EMDR?
Yes! Your EMDR therapist can work with you virtually/online or in person. There is no difference in how effective treatment is. Your EMDR therapist will work with you to see what type of bilateral stimulation or eye movements is best for you. There are different ways to create bilateral stimulation that do not require in-person sessions.
Does EMDR work for everyone?
There is not one trauma treatment that is best for everyone, even EMDR. You might have heard great things about EMDR or someone recommended it to you. Despite these factors, an EMDR therapist has to determine if it is the best approach for you. If you are experiencing symptoms of dissociation, EMDR may not be the right fit. They will do an assessment to decide if it's appropriate for you based on need, history, and complexity of your issues. EMDR is one of many interventions that can help you process trauma. Other effective trauma treatments are somatic therapy, IFS and DBT!
How many sessions does EMDR take?
EMDR is known as a shorter treatment but the exact length is dependent on the complexity of your trauma. At the beginning of treatment, you and your EMDR therapist will talk about how long it should take! If you don't want to do weekly therapy, you can try EMDR intensives.
Stages of EMDR
EMDR is a structured intervention comprising eight phases. The processing aspect of EMDR happens during phases 3-6. Processing may take many sessions or one session depending on the severity of your symptoms and what comes up during processing.
At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we always encourage you to talk to your EMDR therapist if you have any concerns about the length of EMDR therapy.
What can I expect from EMDR therapy in Detroit?
Treatment planning:
You and your clinician will develop a treatment plan to help you meet your therapy goals!
The treatment plan will serve as a guide and include different therapy interventions. This will include EMDR and other approaches such as somatic therapy, DBT, IFS or CBT!
EMDR Session
Your EMDR therapist will ask you a set of questions. The goal is to access and activate a negative or traumatic experience so you can later process it.
You will give your informed consent to begin processing and identify a “stop signal." Then, you will begin the sets of rapid eye movements or bilateral stimulation.
Your EMDR therapist will encourage you to “free associate.” This means for you to allow your brain to work through the experience without judgement.
Bilateral stimulation will be applied in intervals. In between, you're asked what you are experiencing.
Processing will continue until the past negative experience is no longer distressing.
EMDR processing can take many sessions. It depends on the complexity of your experience(s).
Integrating EMDR into daily life
Once you have completed processing, you and your EMDR therapist will discuss ways to integrate your new way of being into to future experiences.
What are some questions to ask an EMDR therapist in Detroit?
All EMDR therapists are not created equal! It’s important to interview your therapist to determine if they are the right fit. You can ask for a free 15 minute consultation before you meet with them. Below are some questions you can ask to see if they might be a good fit!
Did you complete your EMDR training through EMDRIA?
What advanced training have you done?
What kind of continuing education do you have? What other treatment modalities do you combine with EMDR?
What mental health concerns do you specialize in? I.e. trauma, depression, dissociation, etc.
Are you ready to start EMDR therapy in Detroit?
Are you grappling with the lingering impact of trauma or PTSD? It's time to proactively address these issues by exploring EMDR therapy in Detroit, MI. At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, our skilled EMDR therapists are here to guide you on your journey to healing. Take the brave step towards your path to recovery and personal growth. To start EMDR therapy, please follow the steps outlined below:
Call, text or email us for a free therapy consultation.
Talk to an EMDR therapist.
Live a life free from trauma.
Additional Therapy Services at Embodied Wellness in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
Our committed and caring EMDR therapists provide a range of services beyond EMDR Therapy in Detroit. Our offerings encompass Empath therapy and Online Therapy in Michigan. We specialize in OCD treatment and ERP therapy, Trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, DBT, depression treatment, Somatic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. These online therapy services are accessible to both teenagers and adults. Additionally, we offer therapy in Spanish! Reach out to our Detroit-based practice today to embark on your path toward a more promising future!
About the Author:
Daniela Lopez, LLMSW is an EMDR therapist and the clinical director at Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about working with Spanish- and English-speaking Latinx/a/o individuals. Daniela incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including somatic therapy and empath counseling.