Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR Therapy in Ann Arbor, Detroit and throughout Michigan
What is EMDR?
Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a type of therapy where the patient briefly focuses on a trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements or tapping. This allows for a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
How does it Work?
EMDR works by helping the brain process trauma memories and allowing the normal healing process to resume. The event or experience is still remembered, but the self-protection responses (fight, flight, or freeze) from the original event are resolved. Generally, EMDR is a shorter-term treatment that lasts between 6-12 sessions. At Embodied Wellness, PLLC our therapists like to integrate EMDR into other trauma treatments such as Somatic Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, and DBT. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t immediately start processing your trauma or distressing memories. It can take a few sessions (or more!) to get to the part of the treatment where you reprocess memories.
What are the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy?
History Taking and Treatment Planning. You will start your EMDR journey by discussing your goals and history with your therapist. Building a foundation of trust is important as you and your therapist design a treatment plan that addresses the specific traumatic events.
Preparation. Your therapist will educate you on the EMDR process and what lies ahead. You and your therapist will develop an open dialogue to create a comfortable environment to start the healing journey.
Assessment. Together, you and your therapist will identify the focus of your healing journey – the target event. You will also identify emotions, beliefs, sensations, and images linked to this event.
Desensitization. This phase is what people think of when they talk about EMDR. Guided by your therapist's cues – whether it's finger movements, tapping, or sounds – you reprocess the target memory until it is no longer distressing.
Installation. Following desensitization, you identify positive emotions and thoughts to replace the negative ones connected to the target memory. The goal is to enhance self-esteem and resilience.
Body Scan. While thinking about the target memory and the positive belief, you participate in a body scan guided by your therapist. The goal is to eliminate any leftover stress or tension.
Closure. Each session ends with the therapist guiding you in mindfulness, grounding, and relaxation techniques to ensure that you don’t leave feeling upset.
Reevaluation. At the start of every new session, your progress is monitored. You and your therapist will decide if you should continue to process the previous memories or start to process new ones.
What Conditions does it Treat?
EMDR can treat a variety of symptoms, disorders, and conditions including but not limited to:
Trauma: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder.
Anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, and Social Anxiety.
Depressive disorders: Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Dissociative disorders: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Amnesia, Depersonalization, or Derealization Disorder.
Eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Hoarding Disorder.
Addictions: Substance Use Disorders, Gambling Use Disorder, etc.
Chronic pain
EMDR is Safe and Effective
Research shows that EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, pain, and other disorders. As with any treatment, there can be negative side effects but they are generally short-term and mild. Reported side effects of EMDR include an increase in distressing memories, heightened emotions during processing, lightheadedness, and vivid dreams. The surfacing of new traumatic memories can happen during EMDR as well. If these side effects develop, your trained EMDR therapist will be there to guide and support you.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Children, adolescents, and adults can benefit from EMDR both in person and online! One of the main benefits of EMDR is you are not required to talk in detail about the traumatic events or memories. EMDR aims to change the emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that result from trauma or distressing experience(s). Trauma triggers that lead to flashbacks and nightmares are reduced or eliminated. After EMDR, individuals feel more empowered and have a greater sense of control in their lives. The benefits from EMDR last long after you stop the treatment!
Are You Curious About How EMDR Therapy Works?
We know that making decisions about therapy can feel uncertain, and it's normal to want more information about EMDR before moving forward. We're here to provide the details and support you need to feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
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EMDR may not be a good fit for people who are not ready to process difficult memories or who are currently feeling very unstable emotionally. It also might not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled seizures, or those who struggle to stay present during sessions. Your therapist will help you decide if EMDR is right for you.
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It’s possible that you might cry during EMDR, but that’s okay! Processing difficult memories or emotions can bring up tears, which is a natural part of healing. Your therapist will guide you through the process and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
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EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy because it uses a technique called bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements or tapping, to help your brain process trauma. Instead of focusing on talking about your experiences, EMDR helps your brain “unstick” painful memories and emotions, so they don’t feel as overwhelming anymore. It’s a more structured and body-focused approach than typical therapy.
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EMDR is effective for treating many types of trauma, including abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and combat experiences. It can also help with anxiety, phobias, and complex trauma, which involves multiple or ongoing traumatic events that affect a person over time.
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The number of sessions required for EMDR therapy can vary based on several factors. Most people see significant improvement after 6 to 12 sessions, while some individuals may experience benefits after as few as 3 sessions. For cases of complex trauma, therapy may take several months. The time it takes to see results can be influenced by the complexity and severity of the trauma, as well as the client's mental readiness and stability. While EMDR doesn’t work instantly, many people begin to see symptom reduction within a few sessions, and for some, the effects are long-lasting. Compared to therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR often yields quicker results. However, it's important to work with a trained EMDR therapist to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, as the therapist's approach can also impact the results.
Why Should I Start Therapy at Embodied Wellness, PLLC?
At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we believe you are worth healing. Our EMDR therapists are trained through EMDRIA and are passionate about helping you recover in a place that is safe, secure, and comfortable. We help people all over Michigan recover from trauma, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
We know how scary it is to start the EMDR treatment process. We are here to assist you every step of the way. Although we are trained in the EMDR protocol, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. We take into account your individual needs, background, and goals. We also believe it’s important to show our humanness as therapists.
Start EMDR Therapy in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Michigan
Step 1: Free Consultation
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation! You will speak with the clinical director who will learn more about you, answer any questions you have and match you with a therapist who we think will be a great fit!
Step 2: Begin EMDR Therapy
At the consultation, we will schedule your first appointment. Then you will sign up for a free online portal, complete the required documents, and log on to meet your EMDR therapist!
Step 3: Start Feeling Better
Together with your therapist, you will come up with a treatment plan to meet your needs. This includes how often you will see your therapist, what your goals are and the best types of therapy that will help you start feeling better.
Due to Michigan state licensing requirements, all patients must reside in Michigan at the time of service to participate in our virtual therapy in Michigan services.
We only offer online therapy and do not have in-person options.
We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Care Network and Aetna plans. Otherwise, we are an out-of-network provider and can provide superbills for reimbursement from your insurance. Our private pay fees start at 170+ depending on the therapist.
EMDR Therapists in Ann Arbor, Detroit and MI
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Other Therapy Services Offered in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
Our devoted and passionate therapists offer various services and specialties outside of EMDR Therapy. Our other services include Empath therapy, and Online Therapy. Our specialties include OCD treatment and ERP therapy, Trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, DBT, depression treatment, Somatic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. All these online therapy services are available for teenagers and adolescents as well as adults. Get in contact with our Detroit-based practice today and start on the path towards a happier life!