You may or may not know much about Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). And you probably haven’t spent much time researching recent information regarding EMDR therapy statistics.
Still, if you do read anything about EMDR therapy, you’ll likely learn first that the approach is often referred to as “nontraditional”, “unconventional”, or even “controversial.” The truth? EMDR is not rooted in talk therapy or medication. And the focus on your own eye movements as the key to your healing may seem, at the very least, unusual. So, in those ways, EMDR deviates from what you may think of as ordinary therapy.
However, what you might not know is how or why the EMDR therapy model is growing in popularity. Fortunately, there are some measurable and proven EMDR results. In fact, the following EMDR therapy statistics point to its efficacy and several key reasons to believe that relief lies beyond your trauma or troubles.
Let’s look at the following EMDR evidence. Then you can see for yourself that EMDR is a process you can trust to help you build a happier future.
EMDR research is promising and ongoing.
A compilation of research, shared by the EMDR Institute, reveals that the positive impact of EMDR therapy is significant. In fact, the success rate in some of these studies indicates amazing rates of recovery and lasting benefit after working with a qualified therapist for six to 12 sessions. Consider the following:
Current and former combatants researched at a Veterans Affairs facility showed a 78% reduction in PTSD symptoms following 12 EMDR sessions.
Kaiser Permanente sponsored research that reported 100% of single-trauma sufferers and 77% of people impacted by multiple trauma show no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.
A randomized EMDR study of non-military participants recorded that 90 percent of sexual assault victims experienced PTSD relief following three 1.5 hour sessions.
EMDR successfully aids in the relief of trauma induced by natural disasters. Studies were conducted after earthquakes and aftershocks in both Mexico and Italy. Research in 2016 indicated significant rection of symptoms of post-traumatic stress for survivors. A 12-week follow-up determined relief to be meaningful and lasting.
A study conducted in a transportation department revealed that PTSD due to accidents and assault was relieved by 67% after EMDR six sessions.
Well-respected professionals and international organizations support EMDR therapy.
All told, upwards of 30 controlled studies deemed EMDR a success. The approach is recommended and recognized. It is a frequent offering among mental health experts and organizations. The Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United States Department of Defense routinely supports EMDR therapy for PTSD.
EMDR therapy statistics support it as a tool for other mental health challenges.
Beyond trauma treatment, recent research shows that EMDR can have a positive impact on those suffering from the following symptoms:
poor self-esteem
depression
anxiety
Low motivation
public speaking
panic attacks
triggers
cravings
hallucination
delusion
The EMDR method is nearly four decades old. Yet, even today, the body of evidence in support of EMDR is growing. The research suggests the advantages of EMDR are sustainable. Effectively, the EMDR process can temper the negativity of highly charged emotional experiences.
EMDR pioneer Francis Shapiro once noted, “The whole point of EMDR work is to put the healing back on track. People will experience what they need to in order to come to their own helpful resolutions.”
EMDR works by supporting the brain’s ability to shift its perspective and strengthen its own positive networks. Thanks to such neuroplasticity (the brain’s capacity to develop entirely new neural pathways) the research indicates that distress can be overcome. You can alleviate what bothers you quickly and effectively. In other words, you can adapt and thrive.
If you would like support and are looking for a psychotherapist, please contact us for a free consultation to learn about how we can be of service.
Please read here to learn more about EMDR Therapy. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver..
Please read here to learn more about EMDR Therapy. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver..
