EMDR Informed Consent
Jessica Farber, Psy.D.
CA Licensed Psychologist, PSY 22360
3880 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95124
Phone: (408) 981-8676, Fax: (408) 371-9193
www.DrJessicaFarber.com
What is EMDR, and what should you expect?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is used for the treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, developmental trauma, addictive disorders, eating disorders, chronic pain, and OCD. EMDR is a treatment methodology used to reduce the emotional impact of symptoms caused by trauma or attachment wounding, such as anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thought processes, or negative beliefs about the self. EMDR was first developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro and has gained in popularity since then due to positive results.
The therapy incorporates simultaneous visualization of the traumatic event while experiencing bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation is stimuli (visual, auditory, or tactile) that occur in a rhythmic left-right pattern. For example, visual bilateral stimulation could involve watching a hand or moving a light alternating from left to right and back again.
EMDR therapy uses a structured approach. Processing of a specific memory or theme can take one or more sessions, depending on the severity and complexity of the trauma or attachment wounding being processed. EMDR therapy differs from other trauma-focused treatments in that it does not include extended exposure to the distressing memory, detailed descriptions of the trauma, challenging of dysfunctional beliefs, or homework assignments.
Possible benefits of EMDR:
EMDR therapy shows that the mind can, in fact, heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When we experience a stressor, our bodies can naturally process and integrate that information into long-term memory. However, when we experience a trauma, it can overload that system and become stuck in our limbic system, not being fully processed. Therefore, EMDR appears to be helpful in processing that traumatic information. It can help with negative thinking, may decrease chronic pain, can improve self-esteem, allows for healing without extensive verbal processing, and can yield faster results than talk therapy alone.
Possible consequences of EMDR:
While EMDR can be very beneficial in processing negative experiences, it also has some risks. Possible consequences of EMDR include an increase in the severity of psychological symptoms as a result of activating trauma memories, remembering disturbing memories that were previously not in conscious awareness, and feeling exhausted or overwhelmed following treatment.
A common side effect of trauma processing is that it is emotionally draining and tiring. Therefore, it is recommended that clients create a plan with their therapist for self-care and to avoid any demanding activities for the rest of the day after an EMDR treatment session. It is the responsibility of the client to communicate any negative consequences that they have experienced as a result of EMDR to their therapist promptly so that the therapist can intervene productively and in a timely manner to ease any consequences that have been experienced.
Notice To Clients:
The Board of Psychology receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of licensed psychologists. You may contact the board online at www.psychology.ca.gov or by phone at 866-503-3221.