Dangers of EMDR Therapy: 7 Serious Side Effects Revealed
Key Highlights
While EMDR can be highly effective for treating trauma, it carries risks like retraumatization and dissociation that you should be aware of before starting treatment.
Choosing a qualified, experienced EMDR therapist is crucial - inadequate preparation or incompetent delivery can potentially cause more harm than good.
EMDR may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain mental health conditions like severe depression or personality disorders. Carefully consider if it's right for you.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained popularity as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. However, like any powerful therapeutic tool, it's essential to understand both its benefits and potential risks. While EMDR can be transformative for many, the dangers of EMDR therapy are often overlooked in discussions about this treatment approach.
In this article, we'll explore seven hidden risks associated with EMDR therapy, from retraumatization to long-term effects. By shedding light on these dangers, we aim to help you make an informed decision about your mental health journey. If you have questions about this psychological approach, our EMDR therapy Calgary service can provide counselling or referral support. Reach out today to explore your options with guidance from experienced therapists.
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Understanding the Hidden Dangers of EMDR Therapy
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy technique designed to help people process traumatic memories. It's gained popularity for its effectiveness in treating PTSD and other trauma-related issues, and there is research on how does EMDR work to heal trauma. But despite its benefits, EMDR isn't without risks.
EMDR can lead to significant symptom reduction in as few as 8 sessions, outpacing many traditional talk therapies.
You wouldn't jump into a pool without checking the depth first, right? The same goes for EMDR. By knowing the potential dangers, you can:
Make an informed decision about whether it's right for you
Prepare yourself mentally for the process
Spot red flags during treatment
In the following sections, we'll explore seven risks that often fly under the radar. From retraumatization to memory distortion, these are the things your therapist might not tell you upfront.
1. Retraumatization
EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for trauma recovery, but it's not without risks. One of the most significant hidden dangers is the potential for retraumatization.
Retraumatization occurs when you're exposed to triggers that make you relive your traumatic experiences. During EMDR, as you process painful memories, there's a chance you might feel like you're back in that traumatic moment. This can lead to:
Intense emotional distress
Vivid flashbacks
Overwhelming anxiety or panic
Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating
Did you know? EMDR is as effective, if not more so, than cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing PTSD symptoms.
Why It Happens
EMDR involves directly confronting traumatic memories. While this is part of the healing process, it can sometimes be too intense, especially if you're not adequately prepared. Triggers during therapy might include:
Discussing specific details of the trauma
Visualizing traumatic scenes
Experiencing strong emotions linked to the trauma
Strategies to Minimize Risk
Open Communication: Tell your therapist immediately if you feel overwhelmed. Your comfort and safety are top priorities.
Establish a Safe Space: Work with your therapist to create a mental "safe place" you can retreat to if things get too intense.
Use Grounding Techniques: Learn and practice grounding exercises like deep breathing or focusing on your five senses.
Set Clear Boundaries: Discuss your limits with your therapist before starting EMDR. Agree on signals or words you can use to pause or stop the session.
Gradual Exposure: A skilled therapist will start with less distressing memories and gradually work up to more difficult ones, allowing you to build coping skills along the way.
By being aware of the risk of retraumatization and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can make your EMDR journey safer and more effective. Healing is a process, and it's okay to take it slow.
2. Dissociation
Have you ever felt like you're watching yourself from outside your body? Or maybe the world around you suddenly seems unreal or unfamiliar? These experiences are forms of dissociation, and they can be a significant concern during EMDR therapy, especially for those with complex trauma histories.
EMDR therapy sometimes triggers dissociative episodes because the therapy involves processing traumatic memories, which can be overwhelming for some people. When faced with intense emotions or memories, the mind might try to protect itself by "checking out" or disconnecting from reality.
Signs of Dissociation
Recognizing dissociation is crucial. Here are some common signs:
Feeling detached from your body or emotions
The world around you seems unreal or unfamiliar
Experiencing gaps in your memory or awareness
Feeling like you're watching yourself from a distance
If you notice these signs during therapy, it's important to let your therapist know right away.
Preventing and Managing Dissociation
The good news is that there are effective ways to prevent and manage dissociation during EMDR:
Grounding Techniques: These help you stay connected to the present moment. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise:
Identify 5 things you can see
Notice 4 things you can touch
Listen for 3 sounds
Identify 2 smells
Notice 1 taste
Communicate with Your Therapist: Be open about your experiences and concerns. Your therapist can adjust the therapy pace or techniques to suit your needs.
Develop Coping Skills: Work with your therapist to build emotional regulation skills before diving into trauma processing.
Dissociation is a normal response to overwhelming experiences. With the right support and techniques, you can learn to manage it effectively during EMDR therapy.
By being aware of dissociation risks and using these strategies, you can make your EMDR therapy experience safer and more effective. It's all about finding the right balance between processing trauma and staying grounded in the present.
“EMDR clinicians should not attempt to retrieve or interpret forgotten memories of abuse, even if the client wishes to do so.”
3. Memory Distortion
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, often in the form of eye movements, to help process traumatic memories. While this can be incredibly effective for many people, it also raises some concerns about memory accuracy.
Eye movements during EMDR can decrease the vividness of autobiographical memories and potentially increase false memory levels.
Surprisingly, your therapist's beliefs about memory can play a big part in your therapy experience. A study by Otgaar et al. (2021) found that many EMDR practitioners believe in controversial ideas like repressed memories. This belief could unintentionally influence how they guide you through therapy.
Protecting Your Memories
So how can you safeguard against memory distortion while still benefiting from EMDR? Here are some practical tips:
Choose a therapist wisely: Look for someone who follows evidence-based guidelines and avoids controversial memory beliefs.
Stay informed: Ask your therapist to explain how EMDR works with memory. Understanding the process can help you stay aware of potential risks.
Be critical: Remember that memories can be tricky. If you suddenly "recover" a memory during therapy, don't automatically assume it's 100% accurate.
Speak up: If you're ever uncomfortable with a technique or feel pressured to remember something, tell your therapist immediately.
By staying informed and working with a skilled therapist, you can minimize the risk of memory distortion while still reaping the benefits of EMDR therapy.
4. Inadequate Preparation
When it comes to EMDR therapy, proper preparation isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a must. Skipping this crucial step can lead to unexpected challenges and potentially derail your healing process. Without adequate preparation, you might find yourself overwhelmed by intense emotions or struggling to process traumatic memories effectively.
Studies indicate that early traumatic events and emotional dysregulation can make it harder to stay present during EMDR, potentially hindering its effectiveness.
Research shows that lack of preparation can lead to some serious issues:
Unproductive processing sessions
Increased emotional distress
Risk of dissociation during therapy
Essential Preparation Techniques
To avoid these pitfalls, here are some evidence-based ways to prepare for EMDR:
Build Your Coping Toolkit: Learn techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness to manage intense emotions during sessions.
Identify Your Triggers: Understand what sets off your emotional reactions. Keep a journal to track patterns and discuss them with your therapist.
Create a Support Network: Rally friends, family, or join a support group. Having people to lean on can make a world of difference.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the EMDR process, including its eight stages and how bilateral stimulation works. Knowledge is power!
Verify Your Therapist's Credentials: Ensure your therapist has completed at least 50 hours of EMDRIA-approved training and participates in ongoing consultation.
Before starting EMDR, ask your therapist about their preparation process. If they seem to gloss over this phase, it might be a red flag.
Proper preparation isn't just about avoiding risks - it's about setting yourself up for successful healing. By taking the time to prepare, you're investing in your own well-being and increasing your chances of a positive EMDR experience.
5. Therapist Competence
Over 60,000 therapists are certified in EMDR, but that doesn't mean every mental health professional you encounter is qualified to perform this powerful therapy. EMDR isn't your run-of-the-mill talk therapy. It's a complex approach that requires specific skills and knowledge.
An inadequately trained therapist might not only fail to help you but could potentially cause harm. They may miss crucial safety measures or struggle to manage the intense emotions that can surface during sessions.
How to Verify Your Therapist's Qualifications
So, how can you make sure your therapist is effective? Here are some key questions to ask:
What EMDR training have you completed? Look for EMDRIA-approved or Parnell Institute training and certification.
How will you assess my readiness for EMDR? They should evaluate your coping skills and support system before starting.
What safety measures do you use during sessions? Ask about grounding techniques and distress management.
Can you share your experience with cases like mine? This helps gauge their expertise with your specific concerns.
How will you ensure my comfort and control during therapy? They should respect your boundaries and involve you in treatment planning.
If a therapist can't provide clear answers about their EMDR training or seems dismissive of safety concerns, it's time to look elsewhere.
Taking Action to Protect Yourself
Don't be afraid to do your homework. Check if your therapist is listed in the EMDRIA or Parnell Institute directories of certified practitioners. Ask about their experience and specialization in EMDR. Make sure they're committed to thorough preparation and open communication throughout your treatment.
By taking these steps, you're not just being cautious - you're setting yourself up for the best possible chance of healing and growth through EMDR therapy.
6. Contraindications
EMDR therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can be incredibly effective for many, some people might need to steer clear or approach it with extra caution. Let's explore who might not be the best fit for EMDR and why.
Who Should Think Twice About EMDR?
1. People with Personality Disorders
If you've been diagnosed with a personality disorder, especially borderline personality disorder (BPD), EMDR might not be your best bet. The therapy's intensity could potentially make your symptoms worse. Did you know that BPD affects between 1.6% and 5.9% of the general population? That's a significant number of people who might need alternative treatments.
2. Those Battling Severe Depression
If you're dealing with severe depression, particularly if you're having strong suicidal thoughts, EMDR might not be the right choice right now. About 10% of people with major depressive disorder experience suicidal thoughts, making this a crucial consideration.
3. Individuals Experiencing Acute Psychosis
If you're currently dealing with hallucinations or delusions, EMDR therapy could potentially make things worse. The therapy's focus on specific memories might be too challenging or even harmful in this state.
4. People with Severe Dissociative Disorders
If you often feel disconnected from your thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, EMDR might increase these symptoms. Interestingly, more than two-thirds of people with BPD experience dissociative symptoms.
Remember: These aren't absolute rules. Always consult with a mental health professional to determine if EMDR is right for you.
How to Know if EMDR is Right for You
Take stock of your current mental health. Are you dealing with any of the conditions we've mentioned?
Talk to a mental health professional. They can help assess your suitability for EMDR.
Evaluate your coping skills. Do you have solid strategies for managing stress and difficult emotions?
Learn about EMDR. Understanding the process can help you make an informed decision.
Consider alternatives. If EMDR isn't a good fit, other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might be better options.
While EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing, it's not right for everyone. By understanding these potential contraindications, you can make a more informed decision about your mental health journey.
7. Negative Long-Term Effects
Recent studies paint an encouraging picture of EMDR's long-term benefits. A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that 74% of patients who overcame depressive symptoms through EMDR maintained their improvement for more than a year after treatment. That's a significant win for those seeking lasting relief!
91% of EMDR patients in one study no longer had PTSD at follow-up, compared to 72% who took medication alone.
While EMDR shows promise, it's not a guaranteed cure-all. The same study noted that about 26% of patients who initially improved experienced a relapse within a year. This doesn't mean EMDR isn't effective, but it highlights the importance of ongoing care and monitoring.
Keeping Tabs on Your Progress
How can you make sure you're reaping the long-term benefits of EMDR? Here are some practical tips:
Keep a symptom journal: Jot down how you're feeling regularly. This helps you spot any changes early on.
Schedule check-ins: Don't ghost your therapist after treatment ends. Regular follow-ups can catch and address any emerging issues.
Practice self-care: Mindfulness, stress management, and other wellness practices can help maintain your progress.
If you notice old symptoms creeping back, don't hesitate to reach out for additional support. Early intervention can make a big difference!
Risks of EMDR Therapy: Strategies for Mitigation and Coping
When undergoing EMDR therapy, it's normal to experience some of the risks and dangers in this article. But don't worry – there are plenty of ways to manage these effects and make your therapy journey smoother. Here are some effective techniques and strategies to help you cope.
Grounding Yourself in the Present
Feeling overwhelmed during EMDR sessions? Grounding techniques can be your best friend. These simple practices help you stay anchored in the present moment, reducing the risk of dissociation or retraumatization.
Try this simple grounding technique: Focus on your five senses. What can you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch right now? This simple exercise can quickly bring you back to the present.
Mastering Your Emotions
Learning to control your emotions is crucial during EMDR therapy. Deep breathing and mindfulness are powerful tools in your coping toolkit.
Deep Breathing Exercise:
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 4 counts.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts.
Repeat 5-10 times or until you feel calmer.
Moving Your Body
Don't underestimate the power of physical activity in managing EMDR side effects. Regular exercise can be a powerful ally in your therapy journey.
Research suggests that regular physical activity can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in patients undergoing EMDR. Try incorporating a 30-minute walk into your daily routine. It's simple, free, and can be very effective!
Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship
Your relationship with your therapist is crucial. A strong bond can help you feel safe and supported during EMDR sessions. Don't hesitate to communicate openly with your therapist about your concerns or experiences.
Aftercare: Your Post-Session Toolkit
After your EMDR session, self-care is key. Here are some expert-recommended practices to try:
Practice mindfulness or meditation daily.
Journal your thoughts and feelings after each session.
Engage in physical activity you enjoy.
Use grounding techniques when feeling overwhelmed.
Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Everyone's journey with EMDR is unique. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
Moving Forward With EMDR Therapy
By understanding the danger of EMDR therapy, you're already taking a big step towards safeguarding your mental health journey. Here's a quick recap of the main points to keep in mind:
Be aware of retraumatization risks
Watch out for dissociation during sessions
Understand the potential for memory distortion
Ensure proper preparation before starting therapy
Verify your therapist's qualifications
Consider if EMDR is right for your specific situation
Stay informed about long-term effects
EMDR therapy can be life-changing, but it's crucial to approach it with eyes wide open to both its benefits and risks. If you're considering EMDR, take some time to assess your readiness. Ask yourself:
Do I feel emotionally stable enough to confront traumatic memories?
Do I have a support system in place?
Am I clear about my therapy goals?
If you're in Calgary or Alberta and considering EMDR or other forms of therapy, we encourage you to take the next step in your healing journey. You can book a free consultation with Emotions Therapy Calgary to discuss your options and determine the best path forward for your individual needs.
