Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on assisting individuals in processing traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional intensity, and facilitating the integration of the traumatic experience into their past, enabling them to progress in their lives. This process follows four steps: history-taking, preparing the client, assessing the target memory, and processing the memory and finding an adaptive resolution. After this, Thriveworks EMDR therapists in Portage will continue to help individuals process the memory and evaluate the results of the treatment to ensure its effectiveness.
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network. Because of the shorter duration, EMDR services alone can cost less than ongoing therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing has similar goals to CBT—to help the client shift their thoughts from painful ones to calming, positive thoughts and beliefs. We do this in a deceptively simple way—by having the client shift their gaze back and forth while recalling the distressing events. Alternatively, we may tap or use a sound to accomplish the same goals. After a time, we will help you shift your thoughts to calming ones that can positively reinforce the mental state you’d like to experience. Each session lasts around 60-90 minutes.
Studies show that by recalling stressful events first and then shifting to calming thoughts while connecting a movement—such as shifting the gaze or tapping—can alter the way the brain processes those stressful thoughts. If you think you could benefit from EMDR therapy, reach out to Thriveworks to get started.
8 Phases of EMDR
EMDR has eight phases:
1. Gathering the client history and planning treatment
This includes discussing the specific problem that brought the client in as well as the present situations that cause distress.
2. Preparation
During this phase, the client will be prepared for what will occur during each session, but they will also be taught relaxation techniques they can begin to use immediately.
3. Assessment
The therapist and client work together during this phase to select the representative memory to be targeted, as well as the negative belief stemming from that memory. Then, they will pick an appropriate replacement belief. At various points during therapy, the client will be asked to rank on a scale of 1-10 how true the replacement belief feels. It is the gradually increasing rank of that statement that helps evaluate whether the therapy is working.
4. Desensitization
During this phase, the targeted memory as well as tangential memories and feelings are addressed as they arise.
5. Installation
The focus of this phase is to fully cement the positive belief chosen in the Assessment phase.
6. Body Scan
Though at this point the patient may be feeling much better, it is now that the therapist will check in to determine whether the original event can be discussed without the client experiencing any tension in the body. If there is tension, it will be addressed.
7. Closure
At the end of each session, the therapist will walk the client through relaxation techniques that ensure the client leaves feeling better than when they came in.
8. Reevaluation
At the beginning of each session, the therapist and client will visit briefly in an effort to determine whether the results seen so far have been maintained. From here, they can evaluate the appropriateness of the treatment and how it should proceed.
Scheduling EMDR Therapy at Thriveworks Portage
If you’re struggling with anxiety, pain, PTSD, substance abuse, or another challenge, consider EMDR therapy. Give Thriveworks Portage a call—we will evaluate you and your situation and help you determine if EMDR or another therapy will suit your needs. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances.
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +14 more 
