“EMDR therapy is a relatively new — but very effective — method of helping people with traumatic memories. It’s also an option for people of all ages, including children. Though this treatment is best known for its use in treating PTSD, ongoing research shows it can treat many other conditions. Though it can’t treat all mental health conditions, this therapy method can make a big difference for people struggling with painful events in their past.”

-Cleveland Clinic Medical Library.

EMDR Therapy is available at Hendricks Therapy. Register today for an appointment at one of our four locations.

Using EMDR to Treat Mental Health Diagnoses

By Deborah Berkey, LCSW

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic treatment that uses a set of procedures to organize negative and positive sensations, emotions, and thoughts. It then utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating tapping, or sound, to help an individual effectively work through disturbing memories. 

EMDR began in the 1980s and quickly became the preferred treatment for military veterans who were struggling with combat-related trauma and PTSD.  The evidence-based EMDR was so successful that it exploded in popularity and is now used to treat depression, addictions, fears/phobias, grief and loss, and other emotional problems. 

EMDR bi-lateral stimulation is similar to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.  In REM, the brain chooses what it is going to process, but in EMDR, the therapist and client can focus on a particular traumatic event, a series of events or “themes” that come to light after an assessment of the client’s history.   

In a recent EMDR session, a client who is in the medical profession began to have panic attacks, nightmares, nonstop anxiety, hypervigilance, increased heart rate, muscle tension, hyperventilation, etc.  In addition to being on the front line during the Covid pandemic, she had some personal past and current traumatic experiences that began to feel overwhelming to her.  As she began to unravel, process, and update her disturbing experiences, she was able to integrate her new insights and perspectives into her daily life.  She called EMDR “life-changing” for her!

 Another client, who has a lifetime history of child neglect, broken relationships, and other traumas, exclaimed after an EMDR session, “Something changed in me today.  I knew we had hard work to do today in therapy, and I wanted to cancel, but I am so glad I came”.  Her emotions are becoming increasingly regulated and easier for her to manage! 

Deborah Berkey, LCSW

Deborah Berkey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals by providing support, problem-solving skills, and coping techniques to help them find satisfactory solutions for their concerns as they strive for personal growth and improved relationships.