EMDR Therapy
What do you do during EMDR therapy?
During EMDR therapy, clients briefly focus on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tapping—under the direction of a trained therapist.
EMDR therapy follows a clear, structured process designed to promote safety and effectiveness. Sessions are collaborative, and clients remain fully aware and in control throughout the experience.
What a typical session includes:
-
Assessment and preparation:
Your therapist helps identify target memories and builds coping tools to support emotional regulation. -
Memory reprocessing:
You focus on a memory while following bilateral stimulation, allowing the brain to process it differently. -
Integration:
Sessions end by reinforcing adaptive beliefs and ensuring emotional grounding before you leave.
Many clients describe EMDR therapy as less verbally intense than traditional therapy, while still being deeply impactful. You don’t need to share every detail of the memory for EMDR to be effective.
What are the side effects?
Feeling emotionally tired after sessions
Temporary increase in emotions or memories
Vivid dreams or changes in sleep
Heightened self-awareness
Who shouldn’t do EMDR?
EMDR may not be appropriate for individuals who are currently unstable, in active crisis, or unable to tolerate trauma processing without additional support.
Although EMDR is highly effective, it is not suitable for everyone at every stage. Ethical EMDR therapists carefully assess readiness before beginning reprocessing.
EMDR may not be recommended if someone is experiencing:
Active suicidal ideation without stabilization
Severe dissociation without grounding skills in place
Untreated substance dependence
Acute psychosis or unmanaged bipolar disorder
Ongoing unsafe environments, such as active domestic violence
In these cases, therapists may recommend stabilization-focused therapy, medication support, or other interventions first. EMDR can often be introduced later once safety and coping capacity are established.
It’s important to note that not being ready for EMDR therapy now does not mean it will never be an option—it simply means timing matters.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess memories that were stored in a maladaptive way due to trauma or overwhelming stress.
When a traumatic or highly distressing event occurs, the brain may not fully process the experience. As a result, the memory can remain “stuck,” causing emotional reactions, physical sensations, or intrusive thoughts long after the event has passed.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to activate both sides of the brain. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to integrate memories so they feel less emotionally charged and more firmly in the past.
Research supported by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization shows EMDR therapy is effective for trauma, PTSD, and related conditions. Many clients experience symptom relief in fewer sessions compared to some traditional therapies.
FAQs about EMDR Therapy
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol that includes history-taking, preparation, memory reprocessing, and integration.
In EMDR sessions at Annapolis Counseling, treatment typically follows this structure:
What conditions can EMDR therapy help with?
EMDR therapy can help reduce symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, and distressing life events.
Is EMDR therapy evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR therapy is strongly supported by clinical research and recommended by major mental health organizations.
The American Psychological Association (APA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the World Health Organization recognize EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. Studies show EMDR can lead to significant symptom reduction, often in fewer sessions than some traditional therapies.
This evidence base is a key reason many people seeking EMDR therapy Maryland choose this approach when talk therapy alone hasn’t been enough.
Address
147 Old Solomons Island Rd Suite 303, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sat-Sun: By Appointment Only