Starting therapy is always a bit scary. Even when you’ve been to a therapist many times before, there’s something anxiety provoking about meeting a new therapist.  Yet, thousands of people start therapy every single day because we know it makes a difference. We know therapy helps us be the best version of ourselves we can possibly be.

At Aspire Counseling, we want to do everything we can to make the beginning of your therapy journey as easy on you as possible. And we know you may have questions coming into your first few counseling sessions. Because so many of our therapists now specialize in providing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, we decided that it’s time to have a blog post specifically dedicated to answering the common questions about EMDR in the Kansas City MO area. So, in this blog post, we’re going to focus on answering some of the questions you may have if you’ve heard about EMDR and are considering starting counseling near Blue Springs, MO.

What is EMDR?

You may be asking yourself, what is EMDR? EMDR therapy stands as a powerful and evidence-based treatment that is designed to address a variety of mental health concerns. Initially developed for trauma recovery, its scope has broadened to treat any persistent negative belief that may be stuck in an individual’s neural pathways.

At its core, EMDR therapy involves identifying and processing these distressing memories and beliefs through a structured approach that includes directed eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps to diminish the emotional impact of past experiences and allows for the reformation of cognitive patterns. By doing so, EMDR aims to free individuals from the hold of negative cycles, enabling a healthier perspective towards past events and current challenges.

What is the Success Rate of EMDR Therapy? 

EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has shown high success rates. It is best research supported for trauma-related conditions. 

That said, defining success in EMDR therapy can vary greatly from person to person. Realistically, there isn’t a single metric system that can show its true effectiveness. Success might mean different things to different individuals. For some, it can be the complete resolution of PTSD symptoms. For others, it may involve smaller yet significant improvements. For example, better sleep, reduced nightmares, or being able to manage emotions more effectively when triggered. 

EMDR’s versatility extends its effectiveness beyond PTSD, and can help in the treatment of anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health concerns. Many clients report not only a reduction in symptoms, but also an improvement in their quality of life. They experience better emotional regulation, increased self-esteem, and healthier relationships. As more people share their positive experiences with EMDR, its reputation as a transformative therapeutic approach continues to grow. 

It’s important to note that success in EMDR therapy doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, success might mean a profound change, like no longer feeling controlled by past traumas. For others, it might be as equally meaningful to be able to manage daily stressors more effectively or experience fewer symptoms. EMDR”s ability to cater to individual needs and bring about a range of positive outcomes is a testament to its effectiveness as a therapeutic tool, especially when comparing the differences between EMDR and traditional talk therapy.

When should EMDR not be used?

While EMDR is highly effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. Generally, our EMDR counselors use elements of EMDR with most clients, and they’ve found that most clients see some benefits. However, like all therapies, EMDR has its limitations. 

For instance, we wouldn’t use EMDR with someone who is actively using substances (i.e., a client who came in therapy high or having recently consumed alcohol). Additionally, some clients express reluctance towards EMDR because of a previous bad experience with it. In such cases, our therapists can be flexible either providing another type of intervention or using elements of EMDR slowly at first to see if the client responds well.

Furthermore, EMDR may not be appropriate for individuals using certain psychiatric medications, such as benzodiazepines, as these can diminish the effectiveness of exposure therapies, including EMDR. It’s also crucial to be cautious with individuals experiencing severe dissociative disorders, certain medical conditions, or those in acute crisis. These situations often require alternative therapeutic approaches. 

After initial assessment with a trained EMDR therapist is essential to determine if this therapy is suitable for your specific situation. This assessment helps ensure that the chosen therapeutic approach aligns with your needs and circumstances, maximizing the potential for positive outcomes. 

What Do You Talk About During EMDR?

During EMDR sessions, you discuss distressing memories and the negative beliefs associated with them. One of the key benefits of EMDR is that it allows you to process these memories without having to talk about the trauma in detail, as you might in traditional talk therapy. Instead, the therapist guides you to focus on these distressing thoughts while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This dual attention stimulus helps your brain reprocess the trauma, reducing its emotional impact and making it less distressing over time. 

In a typical session, your therapist will ask you to recall a troubling memory and identify the negative beliefs associated with it. For example, you might focus on a belief like “I am powerless” or “I am unsafe”. As you concentrate on these thoughts, the therapist will initiate bilateral stimulation, prompting your brain to process the memory in a new way. You may during session practice the butterfly hug, for resourcing and bilateral stimulation in EMDR, which many clients, and many of our clinicians’ love using the butterfly hug.

Discussions during EMDR sessions often revolve around past traumas, current triggers, and future fears. When you are thinking directly about the actual trauma, it can feel like watching it on fast forward, which can make the process less overwhelming and more manageable. This rapid processing helps in desensitizing the traumatic memory and reducing the emotional charge it carries. 

Throughout the process, your therapist may ask you to notice any changes in your thoughts, feelings, or body sensations. This can help identify shifts in your emotional state and cognitive processing, allowing your therapist to tailor the session to your specific needs. The goal is to achieve comprehensive healing by reprocessing traumatic memories, altering their emotional impact, and helping you develop healthier perspectives. 

The benefits of EMDR extend beyond trauma resolution. As the therapy progresses, many clients report improved emotional regulation, increased self-esteem, and better coping mechanisms for handling stress and anxiety. By addressing both past memories and present triggers, EMDR aims to equip you with the tools necessary for a healthier and more balanced life. This holistic approach can lead to significant improvements in overall mental health and well-being, making EMDR a powerful tool.

Do You Have to Talk About Trauma in EMDR?

One of the pros of EMDR is that you may have to talk less about the actual trauma compared to traditional talk therapy. The focus in EMDR is on the emotional and sensory experiences related to the trauma rather than detailed descriptions of the event. This aspect makes EMDR particularly appealing for individuals who find it difficult to verbalize their traumatic experiences. 

Discussions during EMDR sessions often revolve around past trauma, current triggers, and future fears. The pros and cons of EMDR are important to consider. One significant advantage is that it allows for processing trauma without needing to extensively talk about it, which can be less re-traumatizing for many clients. Another benefit is the ability to rapidly process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and making them less distressing overtime. 

However, EMDR may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may find the bilateral stimulation techniques uncomfortable or may not respond as expected. Additionally, those with certain psychiatric conditions, or those currently using substances might not be ideal candidates for this therapy. It’s crucial to have an initial assessment with a trained EMDR therapist to determine if this therapy is appropriate for your specific situation. This assessment helps ensure that the chosen therapeutic approach aligns with your needs and circumstances, maximizing the potential for positive outcomes. 

Is it normal to feel worse after EMDR

It is not uncommon to feel a temporary increase in distress after EMDR sessions. This can happen as your brain processes difficult memories and emotions. It’s never fun to think about a trauma or something your brain has been avoiding. However, this discomfort usually subsides, and clients often experience significant relief and improvements in their symptoms over time. 

While the initial discomfort can be challenging, most people report feeling quicker relief from their symptoms with EMDR than with traditional forms of psychotherapy. The reason is that EMDR therapy helps to process and integrate traumatic memories more efficiently, allowing the brain to heal and reduce the emotional intensity associated with those memories. 

After a session, you might feel more emotional or physically exhausted as your mind and body work through the trauma. This is a normal part of the healing process. Your EMDR therapist will provide you with coping strategies and resources to manage any distress that arises between sessions. 

If you’re seeking help from a PTSD therapist in the Kansas City area, seeking help from a therapist who specializes in EMDR can be particularly helpful. These professionals are trained to guide you through the EMDR process, helping you to navigate any challenging emotions that may come up and ensuring that you move towards healing and recovery effectively. If you’re considering EMDR therapy, working with a qualified PTSD therapist in Kansas City can offer the support and expertise you need to achieve the best outcomes. 

What are the positive statements in EMDR

Positive statements in EMDR, also known as positive cognitions, are affirmations that you and your therapist develop to counteract negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories. These statements help to reframe your thoughts in a more positive light. For example, a negative belief like “I am powerless” might be replaced with “I am in control now”. 

The ultimate goal of EMDR is not only to reduce negative cognitions and symptoms of trauma but also to build up positive cognitions and beliefs. This dual approach helps in creating a balanced and healthier mindset. By focusing on positive statements, EMDR therapy aims to reinforce a sense of empowerment, self-worth, and resilience. 

During EMDR sessions, as you process traumatic memories, your therapist will guide you to incorporate these positive statements. This practice helps in shifting your perspective from one dominated by fear and helplessness to one where you feel more confident and in control. Over time, these positive outcomes become more deeply ingrained, contributing to long-term emotional and psychological well-being. 

For instance, if a traumatic memory has led you to believe “I am unsafe,” through EMDR, this belief might be transformed into “I am safe now”. This transformation helps reduce the emotional charge of the trauma and fosters a more positive and realistic self-view. 

By integrating positive cognitions, EMDR therapy not only addresses the pain of the past but also helps to build a stronger, more positive foundation for the future.

How Do You Know if EMDR is Working

Signs that EMDR is working can vary significantly from person to person, reflecting the individualized nature of therapy. For example, if you are receiving EMDR for anxiety, it may manifest as still feeling a bit anxious but being able to engage in activities that previously caused significant anxiety without dwelling as much on past experiences that triggered similar feelings. 

For some clients, the relief from EMDR can seem almost immediate, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. This rapid improvement can be very encouraging and is often marked by a noticeable reduction in emotional distress when recalling traumatic events. These clients might report feeling more at ease and having a brighter outlook on life shortly after beginning EMDR therapy. 

For others, the progress is more gradual. Over time, they may notice they are less triggered by certain stimuli or situations. They start to feel more confident in their day-to-day activities and interactions. Memories of past trauma or stressful situations may still arise, but they cause less emotional upheaval and become easier to manage. This gradual improvement is equally valid and is a strong indication that EMDR is effectively helping to reprocess and integrate traumatic memories. 

Other signs that EMDR is working include improvising coping strategies and an overall increase in positive feelings and outlook. These changes may not be immediate but can become more apparent as therapy progresses. Regular assessments and feedback sessions with your therapist play a crucial role in tracking your progress and making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. These sessions ensure that the therapy remains aligned with your personal goals and continues to meet your evolving needs. 

In summary, signs of successful EMDR therapy can range from immediate relief to gradual improvements in emotional regulation, confidence, and overall well-being. Whether the changes are dramatic or subtle, they all signify that EMDR is facilitating positive change. If you’re considering EMDR for anxiety or other mental health concerns, recognizing these signs can help you stay motivated and hopeful throughout your therapeutic journey.

How do I prepare for an EMDR appointment

The great thing about EMDR is that there isn’t very much you need to do to prepare for an appointment. The process is designed to be as straightforward and accessible as possible. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your sessions, whether you’re new to EMDR or a seasoned participant. 

First and foremost, try to arrive with an open mind and a willingness to engage in the process. Being receptive to the therapy can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Ensure you have a safe and comfortable environment if you are participating in EMDR therapy Kansas City in person, or online, as a calm setting can help you focus better during the session. 

Although extensive preparation isn’t necessary, if your therapist has asked you to do something specific between sessions, it’s best to follow through. For instance, you might be asked to practice certain resourcing activities like the butterfly hug or the container exercise. These exercises are designed to help you manage stress and emotions more effectively and can enhance the benefits of your EMDR therapy when practiced consistently between sessions. 

Additionally, it can be helpful to have a list of distressing memories or issues you want to address ready for your session. This preparation can streamline the process and ensure that you and your therapist can dive right into the work that needs to be done. Also, jot down any questions you might have for your therapist. Open communication can help clarify any concerns you might have and can make your sessions more productive. 

Lastly, try to reflect on your emotions and thoughts between sessions. Noticing any changes in your feelings or reactions can provide valuable insights that you can discuss with your therapist, helping to tailor the therapy to your specific needs. 

In summary, while there isn’t a lot you need to do to prepare for an EMDR appointment, engaging with any specific tasks your therapist recommends can help you see benefits more quickly. An open mind, a comfortable setting, and a bit of reflection can go a long way in making your EMDR therapy as effective as possible. 

EMDR Counseling Near Blue Springs Missouri

Starting therapy can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding step towards healing and personal growth. EMDR therapy offers a unique and effective approach to addressing trauma and other mental health concerns. At Aspire Counseling, our therapists understand the courage it takes to begin this journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

If you’re in the Kansas City, MO area, or nearby Lee’s Summit MO, Columbia MO, or anywhere within the state of Missouri through online therapy, we encourage you to reach out to Aspire Counseling. Our compassionate counselors are experienced in working with teens, college students, and adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, PTSD and more. 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your therapeutic goals, whether you’re seeking to overcome past trauma, manage anxiety, or improve your overall mental health. We offer a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your emotions and work towards lasting change. 

Take the first step towards healing by contacting Aspire Counseling today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation with one of our EMDR clinicians, and discover the benefits of online EMDR therapy, or in person EMDR therapy. Let us help you navigate your journey to a healthier, more confident you. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through each stage of your healing process, ensuring you receive the care and support you need. 

Don’t wait any longer to start your path to wellness. Reach out to Aspire Counseling and discover how EMDR therapy can make a difference in your life. Whether you’re in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Columbia, or anywhere in Missouri, we’re here to help you achieve a brighter, more balanced future.