Position Paper

Ranch Hands Rescue position on EMDR therapy

Background

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and was established in 1987. This is a psychotherapy approach that helps people deal with memories of traumatic and very upsetting events. During EMDR therapy, therapists will have you do a bilateral simulation which is when they guide your eyes to move side to side or use sounds to tap into your senses. The bilateral simulation is to help the individual stay in the present while the brain relives the memory. This simulation claims that the memory will still be there but will be significantly less horrifying.

EMDR can help the brain process painful memories that still triggers the individual and this is done in an eight-phase process. The first phase is the history and treatment planning which is to gather information about the client’s history and symptoms. The second phase is preparation which is to establish a safe environment. The third is assessment which is to identify the traumatic event to be processed. The fourth step is desensitization which is to use the bilateral simulation process to reduce stress associated with the memory. The fifth step is installation, this is instilling a coping strategy to place any negative things associated with the traumatic memory. The sixth step is body scanning which is to check for any physical sensations related to the memory. The seventh step is closure, this is ending the session and reviewing what was done. The eight and final step is to reevaluate. Reevaluation is looking over all the progress that was made and to possibly plan for future sessions.

EMDR therapy is still being studied and research shows that EMDR allows the brain to process traumatic memories.

EMDR can help individuals who have PTSD, have experienced traumatic events or can help individuals work on how they emotionally respond to things. Because EMDR has seen a lot of growth since it was established some individuals are becoming more trustworthy of it.

Organization’s official position

__________ supports EMDR therapy because it can help individuals with traumatic memories overcome an emotional block. Many individuals who experience traumatic events tend to relive these experiences constantly in their mind. Having EMDR therapy can help the mind heal and process the traumatic event correctly.

Studies show that a lot of individuals who have gone through EMDR therapy have had positive experiences. Many individuals no longer show symptoms of PTSD, especially a large number of combat veterans.

Points that back our position

EMDR therapy is a form of treatment for trauma and is recognized by:

The American Psychiatric Association
The Department of Defense
The World Health Organization

Many studies have been done on individuals using EMDR therapy and have recieved positive results. Many claim that EMDR therapy often works faster than some other therapies. There’s no need to do outside assignments/homework, it is structured in a way where traumatic memories are directly targeted.

EMDR therapy minimizes the need to talk about traumatic memories. There's no need to describe in detail about the traumatic event an individual has endured. EMDR focuses more on changing the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that arise from the memory.

EMDR helps the brain access traumatic memories in a safe way. There are many things that can trigger a traumatic and painful memory for individuals. The bilateral sensory stimulation process helps the brain “repair” these traumatic memories so it’s not as overwhelming anymore. The memory is still there but it has lost a lot of its emotional control.

EMDR has a very low risk in comparison to other therapeutic options. The most common side effect of EMDR is having negative thoughts, there are rarely any other effects.

Arguments

1. Counterargument 1: EMDR therapy is new and less familiar to individuals. EMDR therapy was created in 1987, which makes it relatively new compared to other therapies. There have been multiple studies about EMDR therapy but not enough for many doctors and patients to feel comfortable with it. Being unfamiliar with a new technique of therapy can lead to a doctor and a patient losing trust in each other and the technique itself.

2. Counterargument 2: A lot of individuals have claimed that EMDR therapy can be very overwhelming. Individuals will have to think about some difficult memories in order to address the trauma they have. Even though EMDR doesn’t force individuals to “relive” the experiences they had, during EMDR individuals will have to think about their trauma.

3. Counterargument 3: Individuals have claimed that EMDR therapy can lead to headaches, dizziness or fatigue afterwards. Though these are rare cases, any therapeutic process can lead to emotional and physical distress if pushed too hard. Having a smooth pacing as well as having a safe environment can help reduce these sensations.

Recommendations

Instead of doing EMDR therapy you can also try:

Hypnotherapy: This form of therapy is a practice that uses hypnosis to help individuals focus or concentrate on a specific idea. Individuals under hypnosis are not under anyone’s control but they are in a relaxed state of mind that can help them reach behavioral changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a form of treatment that is used to change thinking patterns. Individuals can grasp a better understanding of the behavior of others, understand difficult situations and can help individuals face their fears.

Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT): This is a form of treatment that is used to clear the mind of negative ideas. These ideas are replaced by positive feelings.