What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused psychotherapy method developed by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. Initially used for individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), EMDR’s application now extends beyond PTSD to other trauma-related conditions.
The treatment follows a standardized 8-phase protocol. The core element of EMDR is “guided” eye movements (bilateral stimulation). During the session, the client focuses on an unprocessed memory while following the therapist’s finger movements with their eyes. After the EMDR session(s), distressing memories should no longer be problematic for the client.
Our First Contact
After booking your appointment online, you will receive an email with all the necessary information, including a relaxation exercise that you can listen to comfortably at home. In our first session, I’d like to learn more about you and your story. If you decide not to proceed after this conversation, only the consultation fee (€100) will be charged.
The Process Of An EMDR Session
If there are no obstacles to starting therapy, I will gently prepare you for your EMDR session. Depending on how well you are able to engage with the session, we may need to do some preparatory work before the first EMDR treatment. Sometimes it takes a few sessions before a successful EMDR session can take place. As every client is individual, I can never tell you in advance how quickly we can start the EMDR treatment. It can be helpful to be treated with hypnosis beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
Should I start with EMDR or with hypnosis?
If you have no fears of hypnosis, we preferably start with hypnosis sessions and integrate EMDR in later sessions if needed. Of course, you can also be treated exclusively with EMDR. Not every patient is immediately suitable for EMDR. People with severe mental health conditions or unstable coping mechanisms often require a few preparatory sessions first.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma therapy method that helps process distressing memories effectively. Clients are guided to briefly focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements) following a standardized 8-phase protocol. After the session, these memories typically lose their emotional intensity.
How can I prepare for my EMDR session?
- If you wear contact lenses, please bring a pair of glasses.
- Please arrive on time to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Think about the issue, memory, or thought you wish to address.
- Listen to the relaxation exercise I’ll send before our appointment.
- You will also receive more information with your booking. Please watch the videos, read the information sheet, and fill out the questionnaire if you have a printer.
How many sessions are needed before starting EMDR therapy?
This depends on your ability to self-soothe and use self-regulation techniques taught during the preparation phase. Most clients start actively processing memories after one or two sessions, but this varies individually.
How does EMDR work?
Distressing memories can become “frozen” in the nervous system, along with related images, sounds, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. These memories are stored in isolated networks, blocking new learning. EMDR activates natural processing, helping these memories integrate into broader networks, leading to resolution.
The side-to-side eye movements mimic REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when the brain naturally processes daily experiences. This stimulation seems to trigger a similar information-processing system, leading to emotional relief. Many clients report a fading of the memory or a shift in perspective. Even for those who experience intense emotions during therapy, EMDR often works faster and is less distressing than other trauma-focused treatments.
The side-to-side eye movements mimic REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when the brain naturally processes daily experiences. This stimulation seems to trigger a similar information-processing system, leading to emotional relief. Many clients report a fading of the memory or a shift in perspective. Even for those who experience intense emotions during therapy, EMDR often works faster and is less distressing than other trauma-focused treatments.
Is EMDR only about eye movements?
No. Besides guided eye movements, EMDR can also include other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tactile taps (e.g., light touches on the back of the hands) or auditory stimuli (tones).
What happens during an EMDR session?
In an EMDR session, we first discuss your concerns and clarify which distressing topic or memory we will work on together.
I will show you some stabilisation techniques in advance, so that you feel safe throughout the process.
Then, you direct your attention to the distressing memory. You don’t need to describe everything in detail — it’s enough to stay connected with it internally.
Meanwhile, I guide bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements or gentle tactile cues. This helps your brain to process the distressing experiences in a new way.
In the next step, we anchor positive thoughts and new, empowering beliefs that replace the old negative patterns.
Don’t plan too much after the session, as you might feel some exhaustion in response to the work.
Finally, we stabilise the process so that you feel calm and safe.
In our next session, we will reflect on how you experienced the processing.
I will show you some stabilisation techniques in advance, so that you feel safe throughout the process.
Then, you direct your attention to the distressing memory. You don’t need to describe everything in detail — it’s enough to stay connected with it internally.
Meanwhile, I guide bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements or gentle tactile cues. This helps your brain to process the distressing experiences in a new way.
In the next step, we anchor positive thoughts and new, empowering beliefs that replace the old negative patterns.
Don’t plan too much after the session, as you might feel some exhaustion in response to the work.
Finally, we stabilise the process so that you feel calm and safe.
In our next session, we will reflect on how you experienced the processing.
How will I feel during an EMDR session?
An EMDR session is often compared to a train journey: you “pass by” the memory but from a safe distance, with the therapist by your side. New thoughts, feelings, or memories may surface—everything that arises is welcome. As the session progresses, the distressing memory gradually fades, and trauma symptoms dissolve.
Will I relive the trauma as intensely as before?
Most clients feel the trauma as a “shadow” of the original experience. Unlike some other therapy methods, EMDR doesn’t require clients to relive the trauma intensely or over extended periods. If emotional intensity rises during the session, it usually fades quickly. If not, the therapist can use techniques to reduce it, and clients also learn methods to manage stress on their own.
How will I feel after an EMDR session?
Many clients feel significant relief after a session, noticing that the physical tension linked to the memory subsides and negative thoughts can be restructured into more positive ones. At the end of the full EMDR process, previously distressing memories should no longer feel problematic.
However, EMDR can sometimes trigger temporary emotional responses, such as vivid dreams or resurfacing feelings, as the brain continues processing the experience after the session. Perhaps you are just a little exhausted afterwards. Every client reacts differently to the treatment.
However, EMDR can sometimes trigger temporary emotional responses, such as vivid dreams or resurfacing feelings, as the brain continues processing the experience after the session. Perhaps you are just a little exhausted afterwards. Every client reacts differently to the treatment.
Are there any side effects?
As with any form of psychotherapy, temporary increases in distress may occur:
- Unresolved or distressing memories might surface.
- Intense emotions or unexpected physical sensations can arise during a session.
- The brain may continue processing after the session, leading to new thoughts, dreams, or emotions.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
Unfortunately, I can’t predict the exact number of sessions you’ll need. Remember, these issues didn’t develop overnight, and healing takes time. The number of sessions depends on the complexity of your personal history and the nature of the issue.
For some specific concerns, like certain phobias, one session might be enough. In most cases, though, multiple sessions are required. Studies show that single-incident trauma can often be resolved in 80–90% of cases within three sessions.
For some specific concerns, like certain phobias, one session might be enough. In most cases, though, multiple sessions are required. Studies show that single-incident trauma can often be resolved in 80–90% of cases within three sessions.
How often do sessions take place?
Unlike hypnosis, where the intervals between sessions can be adjusted flexibly, EMDR should be carried out at fixed and preferably short intervals to ensure effective processing. In most cases, EMDR is recommended on a weekly basis to achieve the best possible results, as it requires continuous processing of traumatic memories.
If the sessions are spaced too far apart, it may become more difficult to maintain the progress made and to keep the processing at a stable level.
Bi-weekly intervals could be a viable option for some clients, especially if they are coping well with the sessions and have sufficient time to recover.
This would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that progress is not jeopardized.
If the sessions are spaced too far apart, it may become more difficult to maintain the progress made and to keep the processing at a stable level.
Bi-weekly intervals could be a viable option for some clients, especially if they are coping well with the sessions and have sufficient time to recover.
This would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that progress is not jeopardized.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
EMDR was initially developed for trauma survivors but has proven effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Adjustment disorders
- Attachment trauma
- Behavioral and developmental issues in children
- Emotional exhaustion and burnout
- Distress from significant life events
- Complicated grief after loss
- Acute stress reactions
- Behavioral issues in children caused by stress
- Complex trauma from childhood abuse
- Substance dependency, especially when trauma-related
New studies also show EMDR’s effectiveness in treating phantom pain and reducing relapse risks in alcohol dependency.
Who should not undergo EMDR?
Even though EMDR can be used for many conditions, it also has its limitations. The following clients should not be treated with EMDR:
- Eye diseases
- Acute psychotic syndromes
- Organic brain disorders (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury)
- Reduced ego strength (as seen in borderline personality disorder)
- Significant secondary gain from illness
- Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS)
- Dementia and other severe cognitive impairments
- Reduced physical resilience
- Influence of drugs or alcohol
Can EMDR trigger epileptic seizures?
There is no evidence that causes seizures. In thousands of cases, only three instances were reported—two involved the use of light bars, and one occurred when a client processed a past seizure. That client later reported better coping strategies post-EMDR. If you have epilepsy, please inform me so I can adapt the session accordingly.
What’s the difference between EMDR and hypnosis?
EMDR does not induce a trance state like hypnosis. Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious to release emotional burdens, while EMDR focuses on integrating traumatic memories.
While hypnosis helps release deep-seated emotions and habits, EMDR promotes the reprocessing of traumatic events for deeper emotional integration. Sometimes, unresolved issues from hypnosis can later be addressed through EMDR.
While hypnosis helps release deep-seated emotions and habits, EMDR promotes the reprocessing of traumatic events for deeper emotional integration. Sometimes, unresolved issues from hypnosis can later be addressed through EMDR.
What are the advantages of EMDR over hypnotherapy?
Some clients feel uneasy about entering a trance during hypnotherapy, especially survivors of abuse or violence, who may struggle with relaxation. Since EMDR maintains a focused, alert state, it can feel safer for these individuals.
Can EMDR and hypnosis be combined?
Both therapeutic methods can be combined very effectively. With the help of hypnosis, the client can identify and largely resolve distressing issues. During a hypnosis session, multiple topics can often be addressed at the same time. If specific or deeply rooted memories, thoughts, or burdens emerge, they can be processed using EMDR.
Or the other way around: First, specific burdens are processed with EMDR, and then we use hypnosis to dive into the unconscious areas. In my daily practice, I frequently combine both methods.
Or the other way around: First, specific burdens are processed with EMDR, and then we use hypnosis to dive into the unconscious areas. In my daily practice, I frequently combine both methods.
What do I do in an emotional crisis when the practice is unavailable?
If you find yourself in an emotional emergency situation, please contact the following organisations:
| Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst Düsseldorf | LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf |
|---|---|
| Phone 0211 – 8995391 | Phone 0211 – 922-0 |
Why is it only me who feels bad and not others?
This question is not easy to answer because there are many reasons why you are suffering at the moment and others are living a “supposedly” perfect and healthy life. Even though you may not believe it, many people are in the same situation as you.
Do I have to put up with my complaints?
There are many people who think that they have to live with their complaints. They don’t mind if they have physical symptoms from time to time. Very few can imagine that a healthy psyche brings with it physical well-being.