Understanding and treating PTSD: How EMDR therapy can help recovery

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop following the experience or observation of a traumatic event. In some cases, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it important to seek treatment, such as with eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Dr Raisa Kumaga, leading counselling psychologist at The Fern Psychology, provides a comprehensive understanding of EMDR therapy, how it works for PTSD, and its effectiveness.

What is EMDR therapy and how can it help treat PTSD?

EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, helping patients process and integrate these experiences through a series of guided techniques that include bilateral stimulation, often using eye movements.

The main objective of EMDR therapy is to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories, allowing patients to reframe their perceptions and reactions to the traumatic event. This therapy works on the premise that trauma can disrupt normal cognitive processing, resulting in ongoing distress. By facilitating the processing of traumatic memories, EMDR therapy can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD.

What does an EMDR therapy session involve?

EMDR therapy typically follows an eight-phase protocol:

1. Medical history and treatment planning: The psychologist gathers details about the patient’s medical history, trauma experiences, and current symptoms.
2. Preparation: The psychologist explains the EMDR process, which may also include teaching the patient relaxation techniques to use during sessions.
3. Assessment: The psychologist works with the patient to identify specific memories or negative beliefs associated with the trauma.
4. Desensitisation: The patient focuses on the traumatic memory while following the psychologist’s series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This phase continues until the patient reports a decrease in the emotional distress associated with the memory.
5. Installation: The psychologist helps the patient develop positive beliefs related to the traumatic experience, replacing negative beliefs. For example, if the patient believes, "I am powerless," the goal may be to replace that belief with "I am in control."
6. Body scan: The psychologist guides the patient to notice any physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory. The aim is to ensure that all aspects of the traumatic memory have been processed, including physical sensations.
7. Closure: The psychologist guides the patient back to a state of equilibrium, often using relaxation techniques.
8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, the psychologist assesses the patient's progress and addresses any remaining issues related to the trauma.

How effective is EMDR therapy for treating PTSD?

Research indicates that EMDR therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD. Many patients report significant improvement after just a few sessions, including a reduction in intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviours, and hyperarousal ("on edge") symptoms commonly associated with PTSD. Moreover, EMDR has been shown to help patients develop healthier coping strategies, enabling them to manage their emotional responses to stress more effectively.

Are there other treatment options for PTSD besides EMDR?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and researched therapies for PTSD. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours linked to trauma. It often involves exposure therapy, where patients gradually confront their trauma-related memories in a controlled and safe environment.

Other treatment options include medication, which can be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression associated with PTSD. Medication can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience severe symptoms that hinder their ability to engage in therapy.

Mindfulness-based therapies, including meditation and yoga, have also gained popularity as complementary treatments for PTSD. These approaches focus on promoting awareness of the present moment, helping patients manage anxiety and emotional distress.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment plan will vary from patient to patient. Consulting with a psychologist will help determine the best course of action based on individual experiences and preferences.

EMDR therapy as a treatment option for other mental health disorders

Besides PTSD, EMDR therapy is also applicable to various other mental health disorders, including OCD, depression, and anxiety.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology reviewed 90 articles that met the research criteria. It found positive effects of EMDR therapy in a wide range of conditions, including addictions, somatoform disorders, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, adult personality disorders, mood disorders, reactions to severe stress, anxiety disorders, performance anxiety, OCD, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, childhood and adolescent mental disorders, and sleep disturbances.

Additionally, research published by Cambridge University Press noted that studies on EMDR therapy have expanded beyond PTSD. While research on its effects in other mental health conditions - such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic pain - remains limited, the available evidence suggests that EMDR therapy can alleviate trauma-related symptoms and contribute to partial symptomatic improvement in these conditions. Positive outcomes were observed in various disorders, including addictions, somatoform disorders, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, adult personality disorders, mood disorders, severe stress reactions, anxiety disorders, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, childhood and adolescent mental disorders, and sleep disturbances.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Raisa Kumaga, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.