How Does DBT Prepare me for EMDR?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was created to help people to feel and connect to their emotions without becoming overwhelmed. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an experiential therapy (rather than a typical talk therapy) that allows us to revisit past memories and revise how we view ourselves and the situation. For obvious reasons returning to past distressing or traumatic memories can be overwhelming and emotional at times. DBT can help us to prepare to do the work of EMDR without becoming overwhelmed. If you do become overwhelmed then you would also have the skills in your tool belt to calm yourself down. However, becoming overwhelmed or having a negative reaction to EMDR is relatively rare when you are properly prepared to begin EMDR.

These two modalities work very well together and some aspects of EMDR can be used in DBT as well. Specifically certain skills can be enhanced using the bilateral stimulation of EMDR and helps reinforce using tapping and skill usage. If you are wanting EMDR therapy but don’t feel ready DBT may be a great first step as it is more surface level than EMDR and can prepare you effectively to dive deeper.

If you are in the Longwood, Orlando or Lake Mary area and would like EMDR services please reach out at audrey@willowtherapyframework.com