What Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy technique that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) is a theoretical model that explains how the brain naturally processes and integrates experiences to promote mental health and resilience. In EMDR, AIP serves as the foundation for treatment, suggesting that distressing or traumatic experiences can become maladaptively stored in the brain, leading to negative emotions and symptoms.
EMDR sessions reprocess these traumatic memories, allowing them to be integrated into a more adaptive and healthier framework. It involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to facilitate the brain’s natural processing abilities. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) aims to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories and negative life events, allowing individuals to reframe negative beliefs and integrate the experiences in a healthier way. EMDR is a particularly effective treatment for trauma-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it has also been used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, and other mental health challenges.
Choosing a licensed EMDR therapist may seem overwhelming. Contact Balanced Mind of New York to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to learn more about this psychological therapy and how it is used in the successful treatment of depression and related disorders.
What Are Depressive Disorders?
Depressive disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions that significantly impact mood, cognition, and daily functioning, affecting millions worldwide each year. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), these disorders share common features of sadness, emptiness, irritability, and somatic and cognitive changes that impair functioning, but differ in duration, timing, and presumed etiology. The DSM-5-TR categorizes several distinct depressive conditions, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, among others. This classification system helps clinicians differentiate between normal sadness and clinically significant depression symptoms requiring intervention, while recognizing the substantial individual variation in symptom presentation, severity, and course.
Some depressive illnesses present in a singular episode and do not reoccur once resolved. Some individuals experience chronic depression or recurrent depression episodes. EMDR therapy consists of identifying an individual’s specific symptoms of depression, co-occurring mental disorders, history of emotional trauma or experiencing traumatic events, and other relevant factors to design a holistic treatment plan to facilitate the successful treatment of depression and any trauma related disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder or Major Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), often referred to as major depression, unipolar depression, clinical depression, or simply depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. This disorder goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness and can significantly interfere with daily functioning, impacting work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Symptoms of MDD include changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, trouble sleeping or oversleeping, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide. The causes of MDD are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors.
Persistent Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also referred to as dysthymia or chronic major depression, is a chronic form of depression that lasts for at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents. While the symptoms are not as severe as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), they are long-lasting and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Individuals with PDD often experience a low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep and appetite. The persistence of these symptoms can lead to a diminished quality of life, and individuals with PDD may find it challenging to maintain relationships, work, or engage in activities they once enjoyed. Treatment for PDD typically includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Individuals with SAD experience symptoms similar to major depression, including low mood, fatigue, changes in appetite (especially cravings for carbohydrates), difficulty sleeping, and a general lack of interest in usual activities.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is thought to be linked to the reduced exposure to sunlight, which can affect the body’s circadian rhythm and lead to imbalances in serotonin and melatonin levels. Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy, where individuals are exposed to bright light to simulate sunlight, along with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy to manage symptoms.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects some people after giving birth, typically within the first few weeks to months. Unlike the temporary “baby blues,” which many people experience after childbirth, postpartum depression is more severe and prolonged. Symptoms of PPD include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, extreme fatigue, difficulty bonding with the baby, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and in severe cases, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
PPD is thought to result from a combination of hormonal changes, emotional stress, and the physical and psychological demands of new motherhood. Treatment often includes therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication to help manage symptoms and improve the mother’s well-being.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of women, typically occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, just before menstruation. Unlike PMS, which is characterized by mild mood changes and physical symptoms, PMDD can cause debilitating symptoms, including extreme mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort like bloating and joint pain. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly a sensitivity to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Treatment for PMDD includes lifestyle changes, antidepressant medications, hormone therapy, and psychotherapy.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a mood disorder primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation, along with a consistently irritable or angry mood. These temper tantrums often occur three or more times a week, and the irritability is present most of the day, nearly every day. DMDD is distinct from typical childhood behavior, as it is more intense and frequent, often disrupting a child’s ability to function in school, at home, and in social settings.
The disorder is thought to be related to an imbalance in emotional regulation and is often associated with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Treatment for DMDD typically includes psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and may involve medications to help regulate mood and manage symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
While not technically a depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even months and can significantly disrupt a person’s life. During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, energetic, impulsive, or overly confident, often engaging in risky behaviors. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
Bipolar disorder is classified into different types based on the severity and duration of mood episodes, such as Bipolar I (severe manic episodes) and Bipolar II (hypomanic episodes with depression). Treatment usually involves a combination of mood-stabilizing medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Risk Factors for Developing Depression
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of depression, including a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. While having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that someone will develop depression, they can increase susceptibility, especially when multiple factors interact.
Biological Factors
Genetics plays a significant role, as individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk. Brain chemistry imbalances, particularly in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, can also contribute to depressive symptoms. Medical conditions, including chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders, may also be linked to depression.
Psychological and Social Factors
Chronic stress, substance abuse, poor social support, and a history of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, can heighten the risk. Similarly, childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to long-term changes in brain function and increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms.
Environmental Factors and Stressful Life Events
Major life changes, such as the loss of a loved one, job instability, or relationship problems, as unresolved emotional distress from negative life events may trigger depressive episodes.
What Is the Beck Depression Inventory?
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals. Developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck, the BDI measures various aspects of depression, including mood, self-perception, physical symptoms, and cognitive patterns. It consists of 21 multiple-choice questions, each scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. The total score helps categorize the severity of depression as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe.
The BDI is commonly used in both clinical and research settings to help diagnose depression, monitor treatment progress, and assess symptom changes over time. While it is a valuable screening tool, a clinical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional is necessary for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Does EMDR Treatment for Depression Entail?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for depression focuses on identifying and processing past traumas or negative experiences that may be contributing to the individual’s depressive symptoms. Through bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps to reprocess distressing memories and the associated negative beliefs, which can alleviate the emotional weight of past events and reduce their impact on present-day mood and behavior. The therapy aims to shift harmful patterns of thinking, such as feelings of hopelessness or low self-worth, and replace them with healthier, more adaptive beliefs.
EMDR treatment can be used to address a spectrum of depressive disorders, ranging from mild depression to severe depression. The focus of EMDR sessions may vary slightly depending on the individual’s needs, history, primary diagnosis, and co-occurring conditions. During EMDR treatment, the therapist helps the client explore past experiences, address current stressors, and develop coping strategies, allowing for a deeper emotional healing process. EMDR can complement other forms of treatment, such as medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), providing a holistic approach to managing depression.
Mild Depression
EMDR can treat depression by identifying and reprocessing negative beliefs, traumatic experiences, or stressful life events that contribute to feelings of sadness, low self-worth, or self-doubt. It can aid in enhancing emotional resilience, reducing emotional distress, and fostering positive self-perceptions, making it a valuable alternative or adjunctive treatment to other psychological therapies, like cognitive therapies or mindfulness practices.
Severe Depression
EMDR can be beneficial, particularly when past traumatic events, unresolved grief, or deeply ingrained negative self-beliefs are contributing factors. However, individuals with severe depression symptoms may require a more comprehensive treatment approach, including medication and lifestyle interventions alongside EMDR. In cases where depression is accompanied by suicidal thoughts, extreme hopelessness, or significant impairment in daily functioning, a therapist will carefully assess whether EMDR is appropriate and ensure that stabilization techniques are in place before engaging in trauma processing.
How Are The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy Used to Treat Depression?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for depression and related disorders follows an eight-phase protocol that adapts the trauma-focused approach to address depression’s unique characteristics:
Phase 1 (History Taking):
The therapist collects a comprehensive history of the client’s depression, identifying potential contributing factors like early experiences of loss, rejection, or failure that may underlie negative self-beliefs.
Phase 2 (Preparation):
The client learns self-regulation techniques and establishes a therapeutic alliance. For depressed clients, this phase may be extended to build emotional resources and stability before processing begins.
Phase 3 (Assessment):
Target memories related to depression are identified, such as experiences that reinforced beliefs of worthlessness or hopelessness. The client identifies negative cognitions (e.g., “I’m worthless”), desired positive cognitions, emotions, and bodily sensations associated with these memories.
Phase 4 (Desensitization):
Bilateral stimulation is applied while the client focuses on target memories. EMDR for depression often includes processing developmental experiences that established negative self-perception patterns.
Phase 5 (Installation):
The EMDR therapist strengthens positive cognitions (e.g., “I am worthy”) to replace depression-maintaining negative beliefs, using bilateral stimulation to enhance this installation.
Phase 6 (Body Scan):
The client identifies and processes any remaining physical tension when recalling the target memory, as depression often manifests somatically.
Phase 7 (Closure):
Each session ends with stabilization techniques. For depressed clients, this includes strategies to manage mood between sessions and maintain therapeutic gains.
Phase 8 (Reevaluation):
Progress is assessed at subsequent sessions, with particular attention to improvements in mood, energy, self-concept, and behavioral activation. Treatment targets are adjusted based on changes in depressive symptoms.
Is EMDR an Effective Therapy for Depression?
Yes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized by the World Health Organization and American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for depression, particularly when depressive symptoms are linked to past trauma, negative self-beliefs, or distressing life events. Research has shown that EMDR treatment can help individuals process and reframe traumatic memories that contribute to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem, which are common features of depression. By targeting these unresolved experiences, EMDR allows individuals to reduce emotional distress, shift negative thought patterns, and develop more adaptive beliefs about themselves and their lives.
Additionally, EMDR therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with treatment-resistant depression or those who have not responded well to traditional approaches like medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Studies indicate that EMDR therapy can reduce depressive symptoms by improving emotional regulation, decreasing the intensity of traumatic memories, and fostering a sense of empowerment. While it may not replace other treatments entirely in certain instances, EMDR treatment can be a valuable complementary therapy, especially for individuals whose depression is rooted in emotional trauma or deeply ingrained negative self-perceptions.
How Do I Pay For EMDR Therapy for Depression?
At Balanced Mind of New York, we offer multiple payment options to fit your needs and budget.
In-Network Insurance Provider: Balanced Mind of New York is proud to be an in-network provider for clients covered by Aetna insurance plans.
Out-of-Network Insurance Provider: For all other insurances, we provide superbills for reimbursement. We will contact your insurance company to confirm your eligibility and benefits, including the reimbursement rate for each session. We will also guide you through the process of sending superbills to your insurance.
If you have an out-of-network plan, any reimbursements will be sent directly to you from your insurance provider. Insurance typically reimburses 50-80% of the fee, but note that each policy is different.
Self-Payment Options: If no insurance coverage is available, clients may choose to pay for services out of their own pocket. If you need to pay out of pocket, we offer a sliding scale as part of our commitment to providing affordable care.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and HSA/FSA cards.
Contact Balanced Mind of New York to get started on your path to recovery with a free, 15-minute consultation.
