What is EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapeutic method developed by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro to help people process distressing experiences and trauma. It was originally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Today, EMDR therapy is successfully applied in many areas of modern psychotherapy – wherever unresolved memories, anxiety, or inner blocks affect everyday life. The treatment follows a structured eight-phase process. The central element of EMDR involves guided eye movements (bilateral stimulation), which help reprocess and relieve the emotional intensity of past experiences.
During an EMDR session, you focus on a specific memory while following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. Over the course of treatment, these once distressing memories typically lose their intensity and can be experienced as neutral or resolved.
Course of an EMDR Session
We do not regard EMDR as a stand-alone therapy, but rather as a highly effective method that unfolds its full potential when integrated into other therapeutic approaches – such as hypnosis or Havening. Like EMDR, these methods are based on neuroscientifically grounded principles of processing and regulation. In clinical practice, it becomes evident that EMDR, when applied across different modalities, can make a valuable contribution to overcoming emotional burdens and traumatic experiences.
Once you have achieved sufficient inner stability and the therapeutic process supports it, we gradually integrate EMDR into your hypnosis or Havening session. Some clients need a little time to engage with this deep process – which is completely normal. Every person responds differently, so it’s not possible to predict exactly when the first changes will become noticeable.
Stability Before and Between Sessions
Since EMDR can activate profound inner processes, it is important that you feel safe and stable both before and between sessions. I will teach you proven self-regulation techniques that help you maintain emotional balance and cope effectively with any aftereffects of the session. Practicing these exercises regularly at home strengthens your self-efficacy and supports the therapeutic process in a gentle and effective way.
How EMDR works
Distressing memories can become “frozen” in the nervous system, including images, thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. EMDR helps reconnect these memories. Through guided eye movements, similar to the REM phase during sleep, the brain’s natural processing is supported. This allows memories to be processed differently and relief to be experienced. Effects vary and may not be immediate for everyone.
How many sessions are required before EMDR begins
The start of EMDR depends on how well you can regulate yourself and manage emotional stress. Techniques are taught beforehand to stabilize yourself. The key is to consciously allow the relevant distressing emotion at the right moment so it can be directly reprocessed. Only then can EMDR work effectively.
Does EMDR only work with eye movements
Besides eye movements, tactile impulses, such as gentle taps on the back of the hand, can support processing. In our practice, we use only eye movements and tactile stimulation, not sounds.
How will I feel during an EMDR session
An EMDR session can be compared to a train journey: you revisit the memory from a safe distance, accompanied by the therapist. New impressions, feelings, thoughts, or body sensations may arise, and everything is allowed to be consciously experienced. The intensity and pace of processing are individual.
How will I feel after an EMDR session
After a session, distressing memories may lose intensity, physical tension may decrease, and thoughts can shift. Old feelings or sensations may surface, and dreams or new memories may appear. Some people feel tired.
How many EMDR sessions do I need and at what intervals
The number of sessions depends on your individual problem and history. Not every distressing event needs treatment. Most cases require several sessions. EMDR should take place in short, regular intervals, usually weekly. Longer gaps may make it harder to maintain progress. For some clients, two-week intervals may work and are determined individually.
Who should NOT be treated with EMDR
EMDR is not suitable for everyone. People with certain physical or mental conditions should not undergo EMDR. These include severe eye disorders (tactile stimulation may be used), acute psychotic syndromes, brain-related illnesses, strongly reduced ego strength (e.g., borderline personality disorder), central nervous system disorders, dementia, or other significant cognitive impairments. Low physical resilience or the influence of drugs or alcohol can also contraindicate EMDR.
Who can be treated with EMDR
EMDR was originally developed for trauma but can help with other issues stemming from distressing experiences. This includes PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, chronic pain, adjustment disorders, attachment or developmental disorders, acute stress reactions, traumatic grief, or complex effects of childhood trauma. Studies also show benefits for phantom pain and relapse prevention in alcohol dependency.
What is the difference between EMDR and hypnosis
The key difference is the approach: Hypnosis induces a altered state of consciousness where distressing emotions can be released, and the client speaks actively. EMDR occurs without trance, the client speaks little, and emotions connected to traumatic experiences are processed and integrated. Both methods can be combined well: EMDR can complement hypnosis. Hypnosis uncovers memories and emotions that can then be specifically processed with EMDR.
What is the difference between EMDR and Havening
Havening is a gentle method using touch and focused attention to reduce emotional stress and calm the nervous system. EMDR works with bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and associated emotions. Both methods can be combined: EMDR can be used alongside Havening. For people with fear of hypnosis, Havening offers a gentle and effective alternative.
Can EMDR be used without hypnosis or Havening
We always use EMDR within an existing therapy with hypnosis or Havening. Experience shows that using EMDR alone is unprofessional and less effective. It reaches its full potential only when integrated into other therapeutic approaches.
What should I do in an emotional crisis if the practice is not reachable
If you are in an emotional emergency and the practice is not available, please contact the following services:
Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst – Tel. 116 117
Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst Düsseldorf – Tel. 0211 - 8995391
LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf – Tel. 0211 - 922 0
These services can provide professional support in acute crisis situations.
