Since the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) inception, it has gathered many myths. Many people still have wrong notions about this therapy because it’s relatively foreign, and many are unfamiliar with it. But like everything, getting proper knowledge helps you understand better and avoid further confusion that may last in the future.
So here are 5 EMDR therapy myths and how to avoid them.
1. EMDR Only Takes a Few Sessions:
This is a very famous notion people have about EMDR. They believe that it is short and takes about five sessions to be completely cured. But that’s not entirely true. Yes, EMDR is faster than many other therapies, but you don’t get wholly cured after a few sessions.
The trauma determines how long your sessions will last. No doctor can give you an exact number of EMDR sessions before you’re cured. To avoid disappointments, you shouldn’t focus on the length of the sessions but on getting better.
2. EMDR Isn’t Research-Based:
This is wrongly put. Because lots of research has been done on EMDR–even more than most therapeutical approaches.
The Veterans Administration has recorded EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. Also, the WHO endorsed EMDR for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Even the American Psychiatric Association recommended EMDR as a potent treatment for trauma cases. So, it’s quite clear that lots of research have been done on EMDR, if not, these organizations won’t have backed it up.
3. EMDR Is Only for PTSD:
EMDR is suitable for treating many other conditions asides from PTSD. Some of the things you can treat with EMDR include anxiety, grief, depression, phobias, etc. Right now, there are still more studies done to see if EMDR can be used to solve other problems.
But EMDR is the best therapy for PTSD, and many experts know this. PTSD is pretty common in America. About 13 million Americans (5%) have PTSD. And many PTSD treatment centers use EMDR, but that doesn’t mean that EMDR is only for PTSD.
4. EMDR Is Just a Trend:
For the fact that EMDR is unfamiliar, many people have concluded that it’s a trend that will pass. But the opposite is the case. EMDR was birthed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who, when taking a stroll, had some distressing thoughts, and when she was trying to retrace her steps; She noticed that her side by side eye movement contributed to her feeling of relief.
Years after, extensive studies began on it, and the use of EMDR as a form of therapy was born. On all accounts, EMDR doesn’t look like it will go out of style anytime because of its effectiveness and success over time.
5. EMDR Solves Your Problem Instantly:
Many people have this misconception that EMDR works like magic. You just go to the hospital, and after taking five easy steps, your problems just go away. But that’s not the case because no therapy is painless, it takes time and effort.
EMDR is supposed to help you recover from trauma and negative life experiences, but you shouldn’t expect these things to happen instantly. Although many so-called experts would tell you that their EMDR therapy can do all of that and more, that’s not true. EMDR takes time.
Want to Start Your EMDR Therapy?
Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, bipolar and dissociative disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, PTSD, child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, addiction, and even chronic illness and medical issues?
Then, visit the website and talk to us today.
