EMDR in Thailand
EMDR in Thailand
Learn more about EMDR in Thailand. A must read guide for anyone looking for therapeutic approaches for help with PTSD ,trauma and emotional distress. This article will explain more about what is EMDR, how it works, how it differs from other therapies, benefits, advantages and disadvantages of EMDR therapy and what questions to ask when researching EMDR therapists in Thailand.
What is EMDR?
In recent years EMDR in Thailand has become more well-known as a non-traditional type of psychotherapy. EMDR stands for Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing, which is an interactive phased therapeutic approach used to treat trauma and reduce psychological distress. It is increasing in popularity, specifically for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or individuals who are managing the aftermath of traumatic life incidents. Though EMDR was initially developed to treat trauma and PTSD, several studies have also shown that EMDR may also help alleviate symptoms of other emotional distress, particularly trauma-related experiences. Nonetheless, research continues and EMDR still remains controversial and debatable in the field of psychology. On the surface level, EMDR may appear like an uncommon way to approach psychological issues. It does not solely depend on talk therapy or medication. Instead, EMDR involves using the patient’s own quick rhythmic eye movements, together with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. These rapid eye movements lessen the power of emotionally imposed memories of past traumatic incidents. The purpose of EMDR is to help individuals be able to process the negative memories including emotions, feelings, images, beliefs, and body sensations associated with traumatic experiences that seem to be causing distress or contribute to a range of different mental health problems. In another word, EMDR aids individuals to perceive things from a different point of view and enables them to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are affecting and disturbing their lives.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR’s objective is to decrease symptoms by altering how your memories are stored in your brain. Through EMDR, individuals are able to reconnect and reprocess the emotions, self-thoughts, and body sensations associated with trauma in a safe space, as this helps the brain to naturally heal and move toward adaptive resolution. An EMDR therapist does this by guiding you through a series of rapid eye movements while you recall traumatic encounters until those triggering memories no longer induce any negative feelings or distressing symptoms. The repetitive eye movement creates a distraction or calming effect, allowing for conversation about traumatic memories; hence resulting in desensitisation. The feelings that evolved around traumatic experiences shift during therapy. As a result, reprocessing occurs as it changes how an individual perceives or thinks about themselves in relation to their memories. It is argued that EMDR works because of the “bilateral eye movement stimulation”, which bypasses the area of the brain that processes memories and has become stuck as a result of trauma. When a traumatising memory is stuck, it inhibits the brain from accurately processing and storing the memory.
There are eight phases of treatment in EDMR:
- History taking
- Client preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Re-evaluation of treatment effect
Usually, a session would last for an hour. In the process of EMDR, the client being treated focuses on identifying the disturbing memory and recognising beliefs that they have about themselves. If it is associated with a negative memory, then the technique will teach the client to change their perspective by learning to identify with a positive belief instead.
After the assessment phase, all the sensations and emotions associated with the memory that needs to be identified are addressed. The individual then assesses the memory while focusing on the external stimulus that continuously makes rapid eye movement. The common technique is watching the therapist move two fingers. Then, after each set of eye movements (desensitization) the client will be asked how they feel.
This method continues until the trauma has been totally processed and the memory is no longer causing distress to the individual. Through bilateral eye movement, the selected positive belief is then being “installed” in order to replace the negative thoughts and beliefs. Over a period of time, individuals are able to process the memory safely which eventually leads to a peaceful resolution. As a result, the experience helps raise awareness of previously distressing events and the negative beliefs about themselves that have resulted from these traumatic experiences.
How is EMDR Different from Other Therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. On the other hand, EMDR therapy concerns changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviours resulting from the traumatic experience. Also, EMDR therapy can be done with fewer sessions when compared to traditional psychotherapy.
Similar to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), it also involves exposure and cognition processes, where it also requires recalling and discussing the traumatic memories as well as identifying and altering the thoughts.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR? Does it Only Work With PTSD?
EMDR is mainly recommended for people who suffer from PTSD symptoms or living with overwhelming traumatic recollections. Hence, EMDR can be beneficial if you find it hard to talk and share the trauma you’ve encountered.
Up to now, there is insufficient evidence to promote the effectiveness of EMDR for other mental health conditions, but some researchers have suggested that EMDR could possibly have benefits for individuals with a history of trauma along with certain symptoms such as:
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Psychosis
Anxiety disorders
Substance use disorders
On the whole, EMDR may appear to be a safe intervention for a range of mental health symptoms where research results have guided the American Psychological Association (APA) to conditionally recommend EMDR for the treatment of PTSD. However, it still means that there is an insufficient amount of evidence to recommend it to everyone and much more future research is still needed to draw more conclusive support for its effectiveness.
What are Some of the Advantages and Disadvantages of EMDR
The good thing about EMDR is that some experts state it typically causes fewer adverse reactions than medications for depression and trauma symptoms. In addition, unlike some medications, EMDR may maintain its effectiveness even after the treatment ends. Moreover, it can provide relatively faster relief, as it requires a shorter period of time to address the emotional discomfort associated with these feelings.
Nevertheless, there are still some side effects from EMDR such as:
- Feeling lightheadedness and tiredness after the therapy: One of the main side effects that people often go through is feeling exhausted after going through an EMDR therapy session. This is because during the session the brain has to function really hard to reprocess and make new connections with emotions and memories.
- Feeling more emotionally sensitive and an increase in distressing memories: While in the session, the client may need to stay with a disturbing memory for a while, which can be challenging and it can lead to some emotional vulnerability. Hence, it is important to take time to rest when you need to.
Advantages:
- Faster results: EMDR has been reported by some practitioners to bring relief faster than other forms of therapy, with some individuals experiencing a reduction in symptoms after just a few sessions.
- Reduced risk of retraumatization: EMDR is designed to help individuals process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the risk of retraumatization.
- Increased sense of control: EMDR empowers individuals to take control of their own healing process by allowing them to access and process traumatic memories in a safe and guided way.
- Lasting results: EMDR is designed to help individuals achieve long-term healing and recovery, rather than simply providing temporary relief from symptoms.
- No medication required: EMDR is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological form of therapy, making it an appealing option for individuals who prefer not to take medication.
Disadvantages:
- Limited research: While EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating PTSD, there is limited research on its effectiveness in treating other mental health issues. A meta-analysis of studies comparing EMDR to other therapies for treating PTSD found that EMDR was no more effective than other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure therapy.
- Difficulty in engaging in the eye movement component: EMDR therapy can be difficult for some patients to engage in the eye movement component, which can make it less accessible to certain populations, such as those with visual impairments or those who have difficulty with fine motor skills.
- Controversy: EMDR therapy has been a controversial treatment, with some experts questioning its efficacy. The American Psychological Association states that the “mechanisms of action of EMDR therapy are not well understood.”
- Surfacing of new traumatic memories and remembering additional memories: while focusing on the previous memory, other memories may arise. This can of course be unsettling and cause discomfort during the EMDR therapy process. Where this discomfort may lead to feeling heightened emotions, physical sensations, tearfulness or distress, it is essential to remember that you are always in control and you can ask for a recess if needed.Individuals should tell their therapist about their feelings and experiences between sessions so that they can discuss if the client is not feeling well or feeling too overwhelmed.
Recommended Questions to ask an EMDR Therapist Before Making a Decision to Engage in EMDR Therapy:
- How many people with my particular issue have you treated using EMDR?
- Do you have the appropriate training and credentials to practice EMDR in Thailand?
- Do you keep up to date with the latest EMDR training and research?
- Will I benefit from EMDR?
- How many sessions will I need?
- What will happen in each session?
- What happens if I feel like the treatment doesn’t help?
- What if the treatment ends, will the effects last over time?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Can I withdraw from the session if I feel uncomfortable?
What if There is a Better Alternative to EMDR in Thailand?
There are several alternatives such as hypnotherapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Art therapy.
Hypnotherapy
In our experience, this is undoubtedly more effective than EMDR as a treatment modality. Clinical hypnosis is an evidence-based approach to counselling that is used as a complement to therapy. It is the process of enabling individuals into a hypnotic state, where the mind becomes more open to positive propositions. While under a hypnotic state, the therapist will guide individuals towards a specific and predetermined goal in order to disrupt a pattern or reduce problems that are being processed.
One potential advantage of hypnotherapy is its ability to target specific issues. In hypnotherapy, the therapist guides the patient into a trance-like state, during which the patient is more open to suggestion. The therapist can then use this state to target specific thoughts, behaviours or emotions that are causing the patient distress. This targeted approach can be especially useful for treating specific phobias, such as fear of flying or public speaking, as well as for addressing issues related to addiction or weight loss.
Another advantage of hypnotherapy is that it can be used in combination with other therapies. For example, hypnotherapy can be used to help patients relax and reduce anxiety during exposure therapy for PTSD. It can also be used to help patients overcome negative thought patterns and beliefs that are holding them back in cognitive-behavioural therapy.
The most significant difference between EMDR and hypnosis in therapy, is that in EMDR the client does not go into the hypnotic state of consciousness. Alternatively, hypnosis requires a trained therapist in order to help the client go into a more relaxed state of mind that will aid the client to go deeper and particularly beyond the conscious mind, making it easier to access the unconscious memory and accept positive suggestions. Fundamentally, the process is to help the client to be able to access their inner healing that already exists but is hindered by other parts of the mind.
Both approaches’ intention is to replace discomfort and undesirable thoughts, feelings, or emotions with healthier ones to have a better emotional well-being.
There is no denying that EMDR is an effective form of therapy, however it is also critical to consider that it was originally designed specifically to treat trauma and PTSD. Hence, EMDR can be very effective when it comes to treating recent traumatic events. Moreover, speaking from our experience, EMDR is best utitlised and is most effective only when treating clients immediately after they have experienced traumatic events.
Hypnosis, on the other hand, can be used for longer term trauma as far back as childhood and even past life regression. Other reasons besides trauma, such as for treating anxieties, depression, increasing tolerance for stress, finding meaning and purpose in life and many more.
Hypnotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both psychotherapy techniques that have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. However, research suggests that hypnotherapy may be more effective than EMDR for certain conditions and populations.
Other therapy options to consider include:
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that focuses on helping patients confront and overcome their fears related to a traumatic event. The therapy involves gradually exposing the patient to trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations in a controlled and safe environment.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy that helps clients understand and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that have developed as a result of their trauma. CPT focuses on helping patients identify and change their unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focus on helping clients develop mindfulness and acceptance skills, which can be helpful in coping with traumatic memories and emotions.
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented therapy that focuses on helping patients regulate their physiological arousal and release traumatic memories that are stored in the body. The therapy involves helping patients to become more aware of and to regulate their bodily sensations in order to process and integrate traumatic memories.
Art therapy: Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses art materials and the creative process as a means of self-expression and healing. It can be effective for therapists working with clients with trauma as it allows the individual to express their emotions and memories in a nonverbal way.
In conclusion, there are many alternative therapy modalities that have been shown to be effective in treating trauma. It is essential to remember that every individual is different and some might find one or the other more beneficial. Before deciding what type of therapy is suitable for you, it is always a good idea to consult with experienced therapists. You can contact us and get a free consultation to ask questions and decide what is the best approach to therapy that is suitable for your personal needs.
How to get Started
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families before booking your first therapy appointment.
First, complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.