EMDR: an effective therapy for overcoming trauma?

What is EMDR and can it really help those who have experienced trauma? Commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress, EMDR is a method of psychotherapy that uses eye movement to reduce the intensity of disturbing memories. In this article, we invite you to discover the mechanism and potential of EMDR without over-promising, giving you a clear and honest insight into what this therapy can do. 

Key points

• EMDR is a therapy designed to treat traumatic memories, using eye movement or other bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional charge of the memories.
• This method is recognised for its effectiveness, especially in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with clinical evidence supporting its efficacy comparable to cognitive and behavioural therapies.
• The cost of an EMDR session is between €50 and €100, with the possibility of partial or total reimbursement by insurance companies depending on the case, and it is essential to consult a specialised, certified therapist for appropriate treatment.

Discover EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy was born of a chance discovery by Francine Shapiro, an American psychologist. In 1987, Shapiro noticed that her own disturbing thoughts seemed to diminish when she moved her eyes from side to side. This observation led to the creation of EMDR, a therapy designed to treat traumatic memories using desensitisation and reprocessing methods involving eye movement.

This therapy is particularly effective in dealing with unresolved traumatic events. When the brain is unable to process a painful event completely, fragmented memories remain trapped and can be reactivated by everyday triggers. EMDR enables these memories to be reprocessed so that they lose their negative emotional charge.

Practised by certified psychotherapists and psychiatrists, EMDR has found its place in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals and even online sessions. This therapy is particularly suited to complex traumas, often linked to painful childhood experiences or moments of great vulnerability. Sessions may include visual, auditory or tactile stimulation to help reprocess traumatic memories.

Indications for EMDR therapy

EMDR is particularly indicated for treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias and the after-effects of natural disasters. It is also used in the treatment of various psychological traumas, including sexual abuse and depressive episodes. By enabling patients to reprocess their disturbing memories, EMDR helps to reduce the symptoms of these disorders and improve their quality of life.

Whether for simple or complex traumas, EMDR offers a flexible and effective approach. For emotional shocks such as bereavement, this therapy helps to heal deep wounds and restore a certain serenity. Although EMDR is useful for simple, short-term traumas, other techniques may be preferable for complex traumas that have occurred over long periods and are still present. 

How an EMDR session works

An EMDR session generally takes place in several stages. It begins with a preparation phase, followed by bilateral sensory stimulation, mainly through eye movements, and ends with the reprocessing of the traumatic memory.

This structure enables the patient to be guided through a safe and structured process to deal effectively with painful memories.

Preparation

The preparation phase is crucial to the success of EMDR therapy. It includes 2 to 4 preliminary sessions during which the therapist establishes a relationship of trust with the patient and introduces emotional stabilisation techniques. Body-psychological tools are shared to help the patient manage their emotions and feel safe before beginning the stimulation phase.

Establishing a safe environment is essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of on-site therapy.

Stimulation and eye movements 

The bilateral sensory stimulation phase is the heart of EMDR therapy. It mainly involves right-left eye movements, but can also include auditory or tactile stimulation. These movements are designed to reproduce the natural mechanisms of REM sleep, making it easier to modify the brain's response to memories of painful experiences. During this phase, the patient concentrates on a disturbing memory while following the therapist's finger movements or receiving other forms of bilateral stimulation.

Eye movements and other bilateral stimulation encourage a free association of ideas, similar to daydreaming mechanisms, enabling the brain to reprocess memories in a more adaptive way. This stage is essential to desensitise the patient to traumatic memories and to begin the healing process.

Reprocessing

Reprocessing is the phase in which the disturbing memory is actively processed and transformed. The patient expresses what comes to mind between each series of bilateral stimulations, until the memory is no longer disturbing.

Thanks to this process, painful memories are replaced by constructive and neutral thoughts, enabling lasting emotional healing.

Side effects and contraindications of EMDR

Like any therapy, EMDR can have side effects and presents risks. Patients may experience

• discomfort
• unusual emotions
• new memories
• intense dreams

after a session. These effects are generally temporary, but underline the importance of appropriate follow-up during treatment. Fatigue is also common after a session, as the brain continues to process the information received.

There are certain contraindications to EMDR. People suffering from complex psychiatric disorders, such as certain forms of trauma, may not be suitable for this therapy. Taking into account the side effects and contraindications is crucial to ensuring patient safety during EMDR treatment. 

How many sessions are needed?

The number of EMDR sessions required varies according to individual needs. For simple, isolated traumas, a few sessions may be enough, sometimes up to three. For more complex cases, however, up to twenty sessions may be needed to achieve complete resolution of the traumatic disorders.

Significant results can often be achieved after six to twelve EMDR sessions, particularly for disorders such as PTSD. The variability of individual therapeutic needs means that each patient progresses at their own pace, depending on the nature and complexity of their trauma. 

EMDR and therapeutic alternatives

EMDR is not the only option for treating trauma. Alternatives such as IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy take a different approach, focusing on internal relationships and psychological share systems. This method can be particularly beneficial for complex traumas.

During EMDR sessions, various forms of bilateral stimulation can be used, including auditory and tactile stimulation, in addition to eye movements. Therapists often adapt these techniques to meet the specific needs of patients, sometimes combining EMDR with other therapeutic methods to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.

Evidence and recognition of EMDR

EMDR is widely recognised for its effectiveness. In 2013, the World Health Organisation validated EMDR as an effective therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. The clinical validity of EMDR has been confirmed by several meta-analyses, showing improvements comparable to those obtained with cognitive and behavioural therapies.

Scientific studies have also shown that EMDR can modify brain activity linked to the management of traumatic emotions. This recognition and scientific evidence reinforces EMDR's credibility as a reliable and effective treatment method for psychological trauma. 

Finding a therapist specialising in EMDR

To find a therapist specialising in EMDR, it is crucial to ensure that they are certified. The EMDR France association offers a directory of certified practitioners, guaranteeing their competence and compliance with the Code of Ethics. By consulting this directory, you can avoid the risk of being taken over by practitioners who are not properly trained.

Fees and reimbursement for EMDR sessions

The average cost of an EMDR session varies between €50 and €100. Some health insurance companies and mutual insurers cover part or all of the cost of sessions, making this therapy more accessible.

It is advisable to check with your insurance company to find out the exact terms of reimbursement for your appointments.

In a nutshell

EMDR is a powerful therapy for treating psychological trauma, recognised for its effectiveness and supported by numerous scientific studies. By guiding patients through structured stages of sensory stimulation and reprocessing, this therapy helps to desensitise traumatic memories and promote lasting emotional healing.

Whether you're dealing with simple or complex trauma, EMDR offers a flexible approach tailored to your needs. Finding a qualified therapist and understanding the financial implications are essential steps in making the most of this innovative therapy. Think of EMDR as a way of transforming your painful memories into a constructive part of your personal history.

Frequently asked questions

How many EMDR sessions are needed to see results?

The number of EMDR sessions needed to see results varies according to the complexity of the trauma, ranging from a few sessions for simple cases to up to twenty sessions for more complex cases.

What are the possible side effects of EMDR?

It is possible to experience discomfort, unusual emotions, new memories or intense dreams as side effects of EMDR.

Where can I find a certified EMDR therapist?

You can find a certified EMDR therapist by consulting the directory of practitioners on the EMDR France website.

Is EMDR recognised by health organisations?

Yes, EMDR has been recognised by the World Health Organisation since 2013 as a valid therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

What is the price range for an EMDR session?

The price range for an EMDR session is generally between €50 and €100, with the possibility of reimbursement by health insurance and mutual insurance companies.