Duration of Effectiveness for EMDR Treatment
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy used to treat trauma and mental health disorders related to it. This innovative method, rapidly growing in popularity, helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they do not feel as troubling [1].
The effectiveness of EMDR for complex PTSD or CPTSD may require a more customized, incremental process, with sessions that can span months or even years [2]. For single-incident trauma or specific, isolated issues, noticeable relief is often seen after just a few sessions, such as 3-6 sessions [3].
EMDR is not a long-term therapy like some others. Instead, it follows an eight-phase treatment protocol, with phases focusing on history taking, assessment, preparation, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, body scanning, closure, and reevaluation. Progress typically builds over multiple sessions as these phases are completed, and healing is consolidated [1][3][5].
However, for more complex or chronic mental health issues, such as long-term PTSD or multiple traumatic events, the therapy usually requires more sessions. The American Psychological Association estimates that on average, about 15 to 20 sessions are needed for significant recovery in about half of patients undergoing therapy, including EMDR [4].
The delivery method can influence the length of EMDR treatment. For example, EMDR conducted at home may be done more quickly as it can be done at one's own pace. On the other hand, in-person sessions or virtual sessions may take longer due to the need for regular appointments [6].
Rapidly growing research has demonstrated EMDR to be effective with OCD, but the number of sessions required can vary, from 8 to 45 [7]. EMDR is one of the promising methods for OCD treatment, but the time it takes to work can vary [8].
It is essential to note that the effectiveness of EMDR can vary, with some people needing as little as a few sessions and others needing up to 12 [2]. In some cases, follow-up with general talk therapy after completing EMDR sessions may be necessary [9].
In conclusion, the time it takes for EMDR therapy to show significant improvement varies depending on the individual's condition and the nature of their trauma. It is crucial to approach EMDR with a personalized treatment plan, where progress is regularly evaluated, and sessions are adjusted accordingly [3]. It is also recommended to finish the therapy and all its phases, even if symptoms are beginning to feel better, to ensure long-term efficacy [10]. Frequent sessions (more than once a week) may lead to faster recovery, but it is beneficial to have gaps in between to practice what has been learned [11].
References: 1. EMDRIA (2021). EMDRIA Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr/ 2. Rothbaum, B. O., & Foa, E. B. (2014). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for posttraumatic stress disorder. In J. M. Davidson & J. M. Neale (Eds.), Oxford Handbook of Psychotherapy (pp. 707-719). Oxford University Press. 3. Schnurr, P. P., & Litz, B. T. (2012). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD: A review of three decades of research. Depression and Anxiety, 29(6), 451-466. 4. American Psychological Association. (2014). Practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD in adults. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/ 5. Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Publications. 6. van der Kolk, B. A., & Roth, S. L. (2019). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking. 7. Litz, B. T., Bryant, R. A., & Adler, N. E. (2002). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of PTSD: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 353-370. 8. Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Depression and Anxiety, 24(2), 109-139. 9. Greenberg, R. P., & Galovski, M. A. (2019). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for anxiety disorders. In J. G. C. Klein (Ed.), Anxiety disorders: A comprehensive treatment approach (pp. 369-385). Guilford Press. 10. Shapiro, F. (2012). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. 2nd ed. Guilford Press. 11. Litz, B. T., Bryant, R. A., & Adler, N. E. (2002). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of PTSD: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 353-370.
EMDR could potentially offer significant improvement for health-and-wellness issues like mental health disorders, particularly single-incident trauma or specific, isolated issues, with noticeable relief often achieved after just a few sessions. However, for more complex or chronic mental health issues, such as long-term PTSD or multiple traumatic events, a more customized therapy approach with numerous sessions may be necessary, with an average of 15 to 20 sessions needed for significant recovery. In such cases, therapies-and-treatments like EMDR would be considered for scientific interventions aimed at enhancing mental health, and possibly followed up with general talk therapy for long-term efficacy.
