EMDR is a short-term, protocol-based form of therapy with proven effectiveness. In cases of trauma resulting from a single, impactful event, individuals are often able to resume their daily activities after just a few sessions. For those who have experienced long-term trauma or have more complex issues, further diagnostics and specialised, personalised treatment are offered, and the therapy process takes longer.

Common goals of the treatment include:

Processing intense and disturbing experiences
Breaking free from the negative impact of those experiences
Reconnecting with one's inner strength and facing life with confidence

Who is it for?

EMDR is a therapy for individuals who continue to suffer from the effects of a traumatic or distressing experience, such as an accident, sexual assault, physical violence, bullying, or other forms of relational abuse, as described in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This may involve a single traumatic incident, prolonged or repeated trauma, or trauma in combination with other psychological difficulties.

There is growing evidence that emotionally charged memories and mental images also play a significant role in other conditions such as chronic pain, depression, eating disorders, addictions, and psychosis. For this reason, EMDR is increasingly being used in the treatment of these issues, often as part of a broader treatment plan within cognitive therapy.

Who is it not suitable for?

An alternative treatment will be recommended first in cases of acute psychosis, prominent suicidal ideation, or ongoing use of benzodiazepines.

Duration of the treatment

The treatment is kept short where possible (such as in cases of single-event trauma) and extended when necessary, for example in the presence of comorbidity, multiple and/or complex trauma. The duration of the treatment is always tailored to you and your individual needs.

Who provides the treatment?

At Forte GGZ, this treatment is offered by healthcare psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and accredited therapists who have been thoroughly trained by the EMDR Association Netherlands (Vereniging EMDR Nederland).