EMDR

EMDR therapy in combination with energy healing therapy

For trauma processing, a combined treatment of energetic therapy with EMDR is utilized. EMDR is a therapy for individuals who continue to experience the effects of a shocking experience, such as a car accident, assault, domestic violence, relationship breakdown, unemployment, sexual violence, or other traumatic incidents.

Purpose of EMDR

Certain events can deeply impact your life. Some people manage to process these experiences independently, while others develop psychological symptoms where the recurring memory of the traumatic event triggers emotional reactions. Reactions such as startled behavior, avoidance, or experiencing frightening images and nightmares. For these clients, EMDR is also incorporated into the energetic treatment process.

Does EMDR work?

There has been extensive scientific research on the effectiveness of EMDR. The results indicate that clients respond well to EMDR. EMDR is a brief therapy form and is part of an energy healing treatment process in my practice. For a trauma resulting from a single traumatic event, clients are often able to resume their daily activities after a few sessions. In cases of prolonged trauma and more complex issues, the treatment naturally takes longer.

Wide applicability

EMDR is not only a proven effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder but can also be applied to other types of issues. In addition to major traumas such as assaults, (traffic) accidents, assault, rape, violent crimes, disasters, and other life-threatening events, there are also distressing experiences such as arguments, failures, unpleasant remarks, or problems within (partner) relationships that are not life-threatening.

How does EMDR work?

While it is clear that EMDR works, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. However, it appears that EMDR stimulates the natural processing system. There is a significant amount of scientific research showing that bilateral stimulation (focusing on a distracting stimulus) increases accessibility to memories. Additionally, research shows that EMDR's bilateral stimulation automatically leads to physical relaxation. This combination likely has direct implications for memories: they change and are stored in memory in a less emotionally charged form. EMDR often works quickly, but it can also be an intensive therapy. During the intake session, I discuss what I will do as a therapist and why. I also explain how to manage emotions as best as possible.

EMDR session process

As a therapist, I ask you to recall the traumatic event, including the associated images, thoughts, and feelings. Initially, this is done to gather more information about the distressing experience. Then, the processing phase is initiated. I ask you to recall the event again, but this time with a distracting stimulus: hand movements from the therapist. The client is presented with the stimuli in sets. After each set, there is a brief pause, and you are asked what thoughts come to mind. The EMDR procedure typically triggers a stream of thoughts and images, as well as feelings and physical sensations. Often, changes occur. Before starting a new set, you are asked to focus on the most noticeable change that occurred.

Expected effects

The sets gradually lead to the traumatic memory losing its intensity and emotional charge. It becomes easier to recall the original event. In many cases, the memory images themselves also change, becoming blurrier, smaller, or disappearing altogether. At the very least, the emotional intensity diminishes. However, less unpleasant aspects of the same situation may also come to mind. Another possibility is that new thoughts or insights spontaneously emerge, giving the event a different, less threatening meaning. These effects help integrate the traumatic experience into your life history.

Are there any disadvantages?

After an EMDR session, the effects may continue to work for a while, which is beneficial. However, in some cases, this may give the client the feeling of temporarily losing control, especially if new images or feelings arise. Often, it's reassuring to know that this usually lasts no longer than a few days. After that, a new equilibrium is established.

Practical information

Practice Ingrid Dekker is a small-scale and flexible practice with close ties to conventional healthcare providers. There are no months-long waiting periods to start a combined EMDR treatment. Usually, you can schedule an intake appointment within two weeks.