Evidence abounds for EMDR as a treatment for PTSD.
Sandra B. Stanford, LMHC, EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant, mentioned how she uses this photo of Dr. Amen as a clarifier and motivator. She points to the photo hanging in her office and says:
“WE'RE BUILDING THE BLUE!’
This is not a political comment, folks.
With trauma work featuring EMDR, this is typically what we can achieve.
Often touted as “magic,” our increasing understanding of neuroscience may indicate otherwise. As a therapist rooted in a holistic approach, not wedded to the medical model of healing, I confess that EMDR still often feels like magic. In fact, there is a saying in EMDR circles, “If it's 'weird,' then you are doing it right.”
And now, for the blues about building the blue:
Dr. Amens photos depict neural activity “before” and “after” 4 EMDR sessions.
This turnaround emphasizes speedy results. The overwhelming evidence for single-event trauma recovery through EMDR, as compared to other forms of psychotherapy, has led plenty of clients to expect EMDR to work like magic. Promotion emphasizing quick results with EMDR may mislead prospective clients and promote unrealistic expectations.
Yes, evidence is there for effective change, especially for certain conditions like single-incident trauma and PTSD. There is plenty of ongoing research taking place. However, effective EMDR therapy is still a clinical art, achieved by practitioners with clients whose personalities, conditions, and situations are unique – not to mention each therapist being also a dynamic component to factor into the course of treatment.
Understandably, new clients may get impatient, “When are we going to do that wavy thing when you move your fingers in front of my face?” And EMDR therapists, at least well-trained ones or ones with integrity, have to explain that Phase 2 of EMDR, Preparation, is where we spend most of our time. And YES, if you are doing that, you are doing EMDR work!
Thomas Zimmerman, another stellar, well-established EMDRIA certified therapist, and consultant who is writing his first book (be on the lookout!), mentions in his podcast that it has taken many years for problems to take root and for maladaptive experience to accumulate from trauma or attachment difficulties, likely rooted in childhood. He does the math to arrive at the actual hours of an average adult. I think it was a 42-year-old. He points out that as most of us pursue therapy for 1 hour once a week, doing EMDR - Trauma-informed therapy for even 7 years equals spending only an entire week of a person's 42 years on healing. One week for all those weeks of trouble, he points out, rightly, I think, is a pretty good ratio.
So, I’d say that there are more Blue Skies than Blues. I hope you have more of those ahead. I believe EMDR is definitely a worthwhile investment of time and energy. I am joining Sandra B. Stanford, LMHC, to remind you that EMDR and a therapist like me are here to help you with “building the blue.”
Please contact me if you are considering investing in your healing and transformation through EMDR and the integration of other therapies with it.
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