5 common myths about EMDR therapy.

EMDR has gained popularity in the last decade though it often misunderstood.

My name is Erin and I’m a mental health and EMDR therapist in Salt Lake City and I’m here to dispel 5 common myths about EMDR therapy.

I can only benefit from EMDR therapy if I have past trauma.
Truth: While EMDR is most well-known for being an effective treatment for trauma, EMDR has also been shown to be effective for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, grief or loss, and difficulty in relationships.

I have to talk about my trauma extensively.
Truth: One of the wonderful things about EMDR therapy is that you and your therapist can keep conversation about traumatic memories brief - little is needed to be known by the therapist to successfully guide you through EMDR Therapy.

Trauma processing should begin immediately in EMDR therapy.
Truth: If you’re working with a therapist who has been trained properly, the “processing” part of EMDR should definitely not begin immediately. The therapist will take important time to help prepare you for the trauma processing before it begins.

EMDR will hypnotize me.
Truth: EMDR is NOT hypnotism and will not put you in a state of altered consciousness. EMDR uses “bilateral Stimulation,” which is not a tool to put you in an altered state of consciousness. It is a tool that helps your brain  process memories.

EMDR will erase my memories.
Truth: Although EMDR is effective, it’s not super-human or memory-erasing. EMDR  can help “take the sting” out of memories but they’ll still exist. EMDR helps your brain process memories and experiences and store them in ways where they come up less frequently and impact you less.

Curious to know more?

My name is Erin and I’m a mental health and EMDR therapist in Salt Lake City. I work with adults who have experienced trauma or who are stuck in patterns of perfectionism or people-pleasing. 

Schedule a free consultation with me so we can talk more about how EMDR might be helpful for you.