Debunking the Top Myths About EMDR Therapy in Charlotte, NC: A Guide for Anxiety Relief

EMDR therapy in Charlotte, NC is a highly effective treatment option for people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, adjustment disorder, and PTSD. According to an article published in the Permanente Journal, “Seven of 10 studies reported EMDR therapy to be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.”

Although EMDR therapy was initially developed in 1987, people are always learning about it for the first time. You may have seen EMDR therapy demonstrated on some of your favorite shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Law & Order and now you’re curious whether it could benefit you. 

There are a lot of misconceptions about EMDR floating around. And I want to clear that up for you. In this blog, I will debunk 5 of the top myths about EMDR therapy in Charlotte, NC.

Hi, I’m Jeanetta Garrison, an anxiety therapist with over a decade of experience as a licensed mental health clinician. I provide EMDR therapy in Charlotte, NC and online to residents of North Carolina and Florida

Myth #1: EMDR Therapy in Charlotte, NC is only for PTSD

EMDR therapy is not only for PTSD or complex trauma. Yes, EMDR is one of the recommended treatment modalities for PTSD and complex trauma. However, EMDR can be used to treat a variety of presenting concerns. Through EMDR therapy, I’ve helped clients overcome anxiety, phobias, improve their self-esteem, overcome perfectionism, have better relationships, and heal from trauma.

Myth #2: EMDR Therapy in Charlotte, NC is a quick fix

Clients tend to report relief in less time with EMDR than with traditional talk therapy. However, EMDR therapy is not a quick fix. The work of therapy is deep work, regardless of the modality. Therapy requires an emotional investment and time commitment. I offer extended sessions so clients can have a longer time for uninterrupted processing. Clients reported they tend to like these longer sessions more than 50-minute sessions because they get to have a continuous deep dive in one session versus waiting until the following week to continue.

Myth #3: EMDR Therapy is hypnosis or mind control

EMDR therapy is not hypnosis or mind control. Also, EMDR therapy will not erase any memories. I am not a hypnotherapist, therefore, I do not perform hypnosis. If you are looking for hypnosis, I’m not your girl lol. 

EMDR therapy aims to reduce (or eliminate) emotional activation. As an EMDR therapist, I guide clients through a process of first identifying the long-held negative belief about oneself that is associated with the emotion. We then develop and strengthen the attachment to a new and more positive self-talk. This way when presented with a similar situation or memory, you will feel less activated or completely neutral about the scenario. 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapy focuses on the desensitization and reprocessing of memories through an adaptive more positive lens. 

Myth #4: EMDR Therapy is painful or traumatic

As your EMDR therapist, one of the first things I will do is to ensure you have a sense of safety and security in your environment and with me as your therapist. I do this through resourcing. I will teach you grounding and self-soothing exercises that can be used in session and out of session. 

When we get to the processing phase of EMDR therapy, I will be monitoring your demeanor, expressions, verbal cues, biofeedback, etc. throughout the session. One of the primary advantages many identify that EMDR therapy has over talk therapy is that you will not be reliving any traumatic events or retelling the story over. You can share details of your story if you would like to or we can proceed without you doing so. Clients often report a sense of relief when they learn about this aspect. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. I collaborate with my clients. We can stop at any time and will not proceed until and unless you give me the go-ahead.

Myth #5: Online EMDR Therapy isn't as effective as in-person sessions

Research has shown online EMDR therapy sessions to be as effective as in-person EMDR therapy sessions. I can attest to this as someone who experienced online EMDR therapy sessions from both sides - as a client and as a therapist. 

One aspect of my training included learning the best strategies to guide clients through EMDR therapy online. For example, I typically use tapping with clients instead of eye movements. We do this to avoid interruptions caused by any internet connectivity issues. 

Experience Effective Anxiety Relief with EMDR Therapy 

Finding the right EMDR therapist for you can take a little time. But the great news is if you’re reading this you’ve already found an experienced EMDR therapist!

Are you tired of feeling anxious, stuck, and spinning your wheels? Take the first step toward relief by scheduling your free consultation with me, an experienced EMDR therapist in Charlotte, NC. Don’t worry if you aren’t based in Charlotte, NC. I provide online therapy to North Carolina and Florida residents.