Part 2: How Long Does EMDR Take?

Recently, we discussed how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR works. In Part 1: How Does EMDR Work blog, we learned about what EMDR is, how it works, what it looks like, and its benefits. If you need a refresher, you can read all about that here. Now, let's find out how long EMDR takes and how long it will take before seeing results.

How Long Does an EMDR Session Take?

An EMDR session can last anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes. Compared to a standard form of talk therapy, this may seem a tad longer. Traditionally, talk therapy sessions can range from 45 to 60 minutes. During an EMDR session, your therapist is working with you to deal with complex and traumatic memories, which can take a bit more time to target and uncover. Even though you're not talking as much during an EMDR session compared to talk therapy, it can take some time to process and reprocess those negative memories.

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Even though a standard session is a bit longer compared to traditional talk therapy, results are evident very quickly when it comes to EMDR therapy. Traditional therapy usually has an average timeframe of a few months to over a year.

EMDR is one of the most powerful and effective forms of therapy, especially for dealing with trauma. If the eye movements and reprocessing that are taking place during a session are successful, clients can see results within minutes of their session or shortly afterward. The results will vary for each client and the memory being worked on. Typically, a therapist and the client focus on one specific memory for each session.

The average number of sessions to show results are 6 or fewer sessions. Some clients even show improvements in their quality of life in as little as one to three sessions.

Why Does It Work So Quickly?

So now you're probably wondering why EMDR works so quickly, especially compared to standard talk therapy. We don't blame you for wondering! There are several different reasons why EMDR is so effective, especially so quickly. Here's why!

The Treatment

EMDR therapy works to treat the actual cause of the trauma versus focusing on the symptoms caused by the trauma. Other forms of therapy work to treat the symptoms most of the time, especially when it comes to trauma. While these approaches are still quite effective forms of therapy, they will cause a session or the overall treatment to be longer to sort through all of the emotions, thoughts, feelings, and symptoms of the traumatic event.

EMDR vs. REM

Several theories have compared the similarities of EMDR to the REM stage when you sleep. REM is known as Rapid Eye Movement. During this stage, your eyes naturally move back and forth to process memories while you're sleeping. This is the brain's way of saving certain memories and getting rid of others.

The theory believes that EMDR is essentially doing the same thing that the body naturally does during the REM stage. REM and EMDR both work to let go of trauma by causing a natural distraction to the body and brain.

Strategic Approach

Another reason that EMDR is highly effective is that it's strategic. Instead of having to sort through every single instance of a traumatic or negative event occurring, a therapist and client will work together to focus on one event. If any events are similar, one EMDR session will help resolve or reprocess both or any negative memories that deal with the same topic. This is a great way for a therapist and client to work together to classify and target specific negative experiences by grouping them together and coming up with an action plan for the overall treatment.

Next Steps

As you can see, EMDR is a quick and highly effective form of therapy. If you missed part 1 or wanted to refresh your memory, read about how EMDR Therapy works.

Reach out today to see if EMDR is right for you.