What's the process?

EMDR is actually a protocol that consists of eight phases.  This does not mean 8 sessions.  It could be less than that, or it could be significantly more.  The eight phases are: Phase 1:  History and Treatment Planning, Phase 2: preparation, Phase 3: Assessment, Phase 4: Desensitization, Phase 5: Installation, Phase 6: Body Scan, Phase 7, Closure, and Phase 8, Re-evaluation.  We can often complete the first 3 phases in 2 sessions, then frequently spend at least 2-3 sessions on Phase 4 and 5, then complete the final stages in another 1-2 sessions.  Keep in mind that this is a very general synopsis and is based on relatively "simple" or clear, single-trauma experiences.  If people have suffered numerous traumas, there will likely need to be more therapy.  

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The core belief behind EMDR is that in most cases the problem isn't technically with our brains, nor in our mind's ability to "process" information.  Rather, the idea is that the information has somehow been too threatening to be able to process properly.  Similarly, most of us could digest one juicy cheeseburger without too much trouble.  If we were to be forced to eat 15 of them in one sitting, well, there might be some problems with the digesting.  EMDR's Information Processing Hypothesis works in much the same way: people with trauma are trying to process more than their system can handle on its own.  

 

That said, we still actually use the body/mind/brain's usual  tools to help facilitate the processing: bilateral stimulation.  That's a fancy way of saying "applying something to both sides".  Different EMDR therapists work with a variety of different stimulation methods (tapping, light bar, buzz sticks, auditory, etc), but the traditional method is visual eye movements (very much like what our eyes do during the REM (rapid eye movement) portion of our sleep (where, according to EMDR theory, much of the processing should be happening if it weren't suffering from a 15-cheeseburger case of indigestion). 

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What can I expect from trauma counselling?

Most of the clients with whom I've done EMDR report significant reduction in stress related to the "target" (i.e. the troublesome trigger that likely brought them in for EMDR therapy).  They usually experience a relatively quick reduction in feelings of panic/fear within the first processing session (phase 4), and they almost always tell me they are surprised at how calming the experience itself is (even though it can at times also be emotional.  Some people worry that they will have panic attacks or that they will dissociate or that things will get worse.  It does occasionally happen that people prone to panic attacks or dissociative symptoms may experience those symptoms during this specialized form of trauma counselling.  Fortunately, that's where the preparation comes in: we prepare for that, and actually try to use it, safely, as part of the healing process.  

Some folks also report that they have very interesting dreams throughout the EMDR process.  This isn't at all surprising, and would seem to support that progress is being made: the mind is finally processing material that's been locked up for some time.

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In any case, most all who go through it report lasting, positive change.

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How many sessions of counselling would I need?

The number of counselling sessions is often determined by the extent and the recency of the trauma. It’s possible for individuals with a single trauma to receive the full benefit of the therapy after just six weekly sessions. Those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with multiple traumas will likely require additional counselling sessions. Most frequently, EMDR is used for a period of weekly sessions for 1-3 months.

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How do I get started?

If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulties related to trauma counselling or EMDR, Jill Taggart and Ron Depner would gladly answer any questions you may have. Contact them at jill@therapyplace.ca or  ron@therapyplace.ca

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Are there other forms of trauma therapy available at this clinic?

Yes.  Each of our team members is trained in trauma therapy, and each bring a unique approach to its treatment.  Read more about each clinician's approach by reading their bios by clicking here.