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If you’ve ever found yourself on the mental health side of TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably come across something called EMDR therapy. Even though this type of therapy was first invented in the 80s, it’s recently become popular again.
In one study, 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims shed their PTSD diagnoses after only six sessions. It’s important to note that not everybody responds that quickly.
How many EMDR sessions do you need before you start feeling better?
If you’re considering EMDR therapy in Maryland, call Rose Wellness. Our compassionate team of licensed therapists can help you achieve profound emotional healing.
Why EMDR Therapy Duration Is Never the Same for Everyone
Patients who have been in therapy for years are surprised when they learn about the EMDR treatment timeline.
It can take years to find a therapist you trust enough to open up to. Even once you do find a therapist, the talk therapy process can take years. When treating PTSD, EMDR therapy length typically ranges from six to 12 sessions. However, this timeline is highly dependent on the complexity of the patient’s trauma.
Patients who have experienced a single trauma event may need fewer sessions compared to those with complex PTSD.
Each session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Our therapists can help you determine the right EMDR session frequency based on your needs and goals. Most of our patients come in once or twice a week.
EMDR Therapy Isn’t Just for People With PTSD
Our custom therapy process isn’t just for PTSD. There are a number of other mental health conditions we can treat, including:
- Anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Panic disorders
- Grief and loss
- Breakups, relationship traumas, or betrayals
- Phobias
- Childhood abuse
- Performance anxiety
If you live with any of these, call Rose Wellness.
Here’s What an EMDR Session Actually Feels Like
EMDR therapy follows a structured process that helps you work through traumatic memories, but what can you expect?
History and Treatment Planning
You will start by meeting with one of our therapists and discussing your history, challenges, and what you hope to achieve with therapy.
Preparation
Before starting memory processing, your therapist will teach you some techniques to manage your emotions.
Assessment
Next, we will compassionately help you explore the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations tied to the memory you wish to process and build a treatment plan.
Desensitization
Your therapist will guide you through eye movements and other bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess the trauma.
Installation
After a few sessions, your distress will fade, and your therapist will help you replace your negative beliefs with positive ones.
Body Scan
Your therapist will guide you in scanning your body for any lingering tension or discomfort. If anything remains, you will work on releasing it to help complete the healing process.
Closure
Your therapist will help you return to a calm state at the end of each session. Even if reprocessing is not complete, you should feel some relief and progress.
Reevaluation
Your therapist will assess your progress after the first few sessions and determine whether you need to continue.
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but at Rose Wellness, we think you should be proud of yourself for even starting this journey. Taking that crucial first step is the hardest part, and you’re already on your way to a happier and healthier life because of it.
If you still have questions about our process, feel free to contact us with any concerns you may have.
How Many EMDR Sessions Does It Take To Make a Difference?
We get it: Committing to even a small number of EMDR sessions can be scary. So, how long does EMDR take? Maybe these statistics from relevant studies will help answer your question:
- Three sessions lasting 90 minutes each have helped 84% to 90% of single-trauma patients recover from PTSD.
- Six sessions lasting 50 minutes each have eliminated PTSD for all single-trauma patients and 77% of those with multiple traumas.
- Twelve sessions have helped 77% of combat veterans recover from PTSD.
Give Yourself the Chance To Heal in 2025
We live during a scary time, and for a lot of people, talk therapy hasn’t improved their mental health in the way they hoped it would. EMDR can be a viable alternative to talk therapy for overcoming anxiety.
But how many EMDR sessions do you need? Call Rose Wellness at 202-681-1348, and let us help determine the best approach for your situation.
