What is CBT and EMDR?

When you're dealing with a mental health issue, it might be difficult to find out how to begin your rehabilitation. Finding a therapist may be difficult. Understanding therapeutic techniques can be tough. CBT and EMDR are two commonly used therapeutic techniques. Both have certain similarities, but there are also substantial distinctions to consider.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a kind of treatment that examines how thinking patterns impact behavior. It focuses on reversing negative thought patterns to improve mental health and regain control. CBT is a highly organized approach combining conversational and behavioral components to help you understand your ideas, feelings, and behaviors. CBT is effective for treating a wide range of mental health disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another form of treatment that addresses painful memories, aids in reprocessing, and alters your relationship with them. The idea is to minimize the strength of any emotions associated with those unwanted memories. EMDR consists of eight steps. The initial part entails gathering historical information. Phases two and three prepare and test the target memory. Phases four through seven process memory and include bilateral stimulation. The last step analyzes the treatment. EMDR was originally used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but has since expanded to treat other mental health conditions and disorders.

EMDR vs CBT

Both therapy options involve talk portions and aim to challenge negative beliefs. There are, however, several key differences between the two.

TREATMENT

The number of CBT sessions will most likely be a minimum of six on the low end. Treatment will differ from person to person; some may benefit from six to ten, while others will require twelve to twenty. Sessions might last many weeks or months.

The typical number of sessions in EMDR is six to twelve. EMDR, like CBT, can vary depending on the individual. On average, therapy should last a few months, with sessions scheduled weekly or biweekly. If the trauma is serious enough, therapy might continue up to a year.

CBT is useful for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, PTSD, and insomnia. EMDR has been demonstrated to be useful in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions, panic disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and chronic pain. As additional study is conducted, more items are added to the list. EMDR is also more commonly utilized to treat issues resulting from a single trauma.

THE EXPERIENCE

CBT sessions concentrate on the talk component. Discussion of memories or experiences is critical for good treatment. If you are easily re-traumatized by revisiting or rehashing those events, CBT may not be the best approach.

In contrast, EMDR treatment does not require a talk to be successful. Bilateral stimulation and tactile cueing replicate REM sleep and aid in the reprocessing of a chosen memory.

IN-SESSION VS. OUT

CBT sessions concentrate on the talk component. Discussion of memories or experiences is critical for good treatment. If you are easily re-traumatized by revisiting or rehashing those events, CBT may not be the best approach.

In contrast, EMDR treatment does not require a talk to be successful. Bilateral stimulation and tactile cueing replicate REM sleep and aid in the reprocessing of a chosen memory.

Do you want to learn more about CBT or EMDR? Contact us today for a free consultation to start the discussion.