Updated on September 6, 2024
There are still all sorts of myths and misconceptions about EMDR! So, let’s examine the most common ones and see if they have merit.
Myth 1: EMDR Is Like Being Hypnotized
I get asked a lot if EMDR is like hypnosis. There are a few similarities between the two, such as the use of imagery, and both may make you feel relaxed and at ease. But the short answer is: No!
With hypnosis, you enter an altered state of consciousness where the present moment fades away—you become less aware of your surroundings. In contrast, with EMDR, you maintain your connection with the present. You have one foot in the memory of the past and one foot firmly in the present. As the therapist, I don’t want you going into an altered state of mind!
Although EMDR doesn’t induce an altered state, it’s possible to feel dissociated or dysregulated during reprocessing. Your therapist should be able to help you work through those feelings in the moment.
Myth 2: EMDR Will Erase My Memories
One common myth is that EMDR has the power to erase memories. The idea of “messing around” with your memory can seem scary! But in reality, EMDR doesn’t eliminate memories—it helps your brain reprocess the information, potentially changing its emotional impact.
EMDR can alter how you remember something, such as making the memory more or less vivid, reducing its emotional charge, or highlighting different details. However, your memories will never be erased; they are still stored in your mind after reprocessing.
Myth 3: EMDR Will Make Me Remember Something That Didn’t Happen (False Memory)
EMDR is a process of desensitizing and metabolizing old memories—memories that already exist in your mind. It cannot create new information or false memories.
While EMDR can bring forth forgotten memories or details, these are things that were already present in your mind. The therapy helps bring them to the surface but does not implant new or false memories.
Myth 4: EMDR Will Make Me Feel Worse
It’s true that when you start EMDR, previously buried thoughts and feelings can come to the surface. This is common in most types of therapy. Unburying painful experiences can be challenging, but I often compare it to physical therapy—it hurts when you press on sore muscles, but after working them out, you feel better.
EMDR can be emotionally painful in the moment, but in the long run, it should not make you feel worse. If you’re feeling worse after a few months, talk to your therapist to see what might be going on.
It’s also important to note that there can be brief after-effects from EMDR, including vivid dreams, mood swings, or feeling more tired than usual. These effects typically dissipate within 24 hours.
Myth 5: EMDR Is Not Evidence-Based or Backed by Research
EMDR was invented in the 1990s, so it’s relatively new compared to some other therapies. It took time for research to catch up and debunk this myth. However, there have now been decades of studies showing the effectiveness of EMDR for a variety of mental and physical health issues.
The evidence is clear: EMDR is backed by research, and it works.
Myth 6: EMDR Is Only for PTSD
EMDR originally started as a treatment for PTSD, but it’s since been proven effective for many other mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. EMDR has even been shown to help treat physical pain.
The core idea behind EMDR is that unresolved, maladaptively stored memories cause symptoms. Since unresolved memories can underlie many mental health conditions, EMDR can be adapted to treat almost any issue.
And there you have it—the biggest myths about EMDR debunked! I hope this helped clear up some misconceptions for you. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask your therapist.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Ready to explore how EMDR can help you? Contact Firefly Therapy Austin today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing.
Citations
Van Schie, K., & Leer, A. (2019). Lateral eye movements do not increase false-memory rates: A failed direct-replication study. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(5), 1159-1167. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702619859335
Perlini, C., Donisi, V., Rossetti, M.G., Moltrasio, C., Bellani, M., & Brambilla, P. (2020). The potential role of EMDR on trauma in affective disorders: A narrative review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 269, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.001
Talbot, D. (2021). Examination of initial evidence for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, June 2021. DOI: 10.1891/EMDR-D-21-00004