Are Therapists Emotionally Affected When They Do EMDR with a Client?

Therapists often work with clients who have experienced trauma, and one frequent question is whether these therapists themselves become emotionally affected during the process. In this discussion, we explore the emotional impact on therapists using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Personal Experiences and Views

It's important to recognize that therapists have varying experiences with EMDR and how it affects them emotionally. As one individual notes, 'I don’t think my therapist is overly affected by it when we do EMDR but then I haven’t gotten to the worst of my trauma. I think I’ll ask her.' This perspective suggests that the emotional impact may vary based on the severity and nature of the trauma being addressed.

Another therapist shared a contrasting view: 'I was not an EMDR practitioner but I did supervise a therapist who did use that mode of treatment. The therapist was moved by the client’s presentation and excited and gratified that the client received significant relief from their symptoms. So I would say yes!' This indicates that therapists can indeed be emotionally moved and gratified by the progress made by their clients.

Understanding Emotional Reactivity in Therapy

The emotional impact on therapists during EMDR can be influenced by many factors, including their personal experiences, training, and how they manage their emotional boundaries. According to an experienced therapist, 'It depends on what you mean by “emotionally affected”. Everything I experience in life affects me emotionally so of course doing EMDR with a patient would affect me as well.' This statement highlights the breadth of emotional experiences a therapist might have in their practice.

The therapist also provided insight into why they do not commonly experience negative emotional impacts from their clients' trauma. They explained, 'If you are asking whether exposure to others#39; trauma has a negative impact on my emotional well-being I would say that it almost never does. There are several reasons for that. One is that the person who experienced and may be re-experiencing the trauma is going to have a far more vivid experience that I would as someone listening to a description of it.' This acknowledges the difference between experiencing a trauma firsthand and hearing about it.

Another factor is the therapist's experience with boundary management. The therapist pointed out, 'Another reason is that over time I have learned to have appropriate boundaries to enter deeply enough to feel genuine compassion for another’s suffering without making it mine.' This highlights the importance of maintaining a professional emotional distance while being genuinely empathetic.

The therapist also emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm presence to provide safety and comfort to their clients. They noted, 'For example if my patient is panicking it does no one good for me to panic too! Instead I generally enter a deep calm so that the patient can feel safety in my presence.' This demonstrates the therapist’s role in creating a safe and supportive environment for their clients.

Finally, the therapist shared that they would not want clients to feel the need to withhold information, as some might fear negatively impacting the therapist. They stated, 'I also wouldn’t want a patient feel that they needed to hold back to avoid harming me as many fear this happening.' This emphasizes the importance of building trust and a non-threatening relationship between the therapist and client.

Key Points to Consider

Therapists may be emotionally affected by EMDR, but this can vary based on the therapy's specifics and the therapist's personal and professional experiences. Boundary management and the ability to empathize without becoming overly involved are crucial in maintaining effective therapy. A calm and supportive presence can help clients feel safe and secure during the therapy process. Therapists should create a non-threatening environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Further studies and training can enhance therapists' ability to manage their emotional responses effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether therapists are emotionally affected by EMDR, personal experiences and professional practices can significantly influence the emotional impact. Therapists who engage in boundary management and use techniques to maintain a calm and safe presence can effectively support their clients while minimizing their own emotional distress.

Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more about EMDR and therapist emotional reactivity, we recommend the following resources:

EMDR International Association Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Managing Boundaries in Therapy