Written by: Autumn Walsh (She/Her) MSW, LSW, CCTS
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is like having a stubborn roommate living in your head—one that won’t stop rearranging your thoughts and insisting that you check the lock five times before you leave. It can be exhausting, annoying, and downright crippling. But before you throw your hands up and shout, “What do I have to do to kick this pest out?” let’s dive into one powerful tool: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Spoiler alert: EMDR is more than just a smorgasbord of letters; it’s proving to be an effective ally in the battle against OCD.
What is EMDR?
Let’s break down what EMDR actually is: a psychotherapy technique that helps people process traumatic memories and experiences effectively. Imagine you’re cleaning out that cluttered attic of your mind—with EMDR, you can sort through and eliminate the moldy boxes of painful memories while keeping the glittering treasures intact (Shapiro, 2018). Instead of just a talking therapy, EMDR integrates the use of bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—to promote healing. It sounds almost magical, doesn’t it?
The Connection Between EMDR and OCD
Recent research shows that EMDR might have the upper hand when it comes to treating OCD. A study by Gunter and Steele (2009) indicated that individuals undergoing EMDR treatment reported significant reductions in OCD symptoms after just a few sessions. It’s like swapping out your tired, outdated hoverboard for a slick new model that actually works—one that lets you glide through life without constantly second-guessing yourself.
Another study by Lee et al. (2018) reinforced these findings, revealing that EMDR therapy not only lowers the frequency of intrusive thoughts but also helps patients become less reactive to them. It’s almost like learning to become one of those wise, serene monks from a Zen garden—observing the thoughts instead of getting caught up in them.
How Does EMDR Work for OCD?
You might be wondering, “How does EMDR work its magic on OCD?” It seems to enhance the brain’s ability to process traumatic and emotionally charged memories, which, for those with OCD, often includes stressful or intrusive thoughts (Hase et al., 2019). By addressing these thoughts, EMDR can reduce anxiety levels and help ease the compulsive behaviors that tend to tag along like a pesky puppy.
Furthermore, EMDR offers a different pathway than traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is often the go-to treatment for OCD. While CBT relies heavily on exposure and response prevention strategies—think facing your fears like a lion tamer—EMDR provides a more indirect way of addressing the root causes of anxiety without requiring direct confrontation (Hofmann et al., 2012).
Much Needed Humor in Mental Health
Okay, so the idea of tapping and moving your eyes like some sort of wellness dance might sound hilarious—and it is! Sometimes humor is the best medicine, just like good ol’ chocolate cake. Humor can encourage everyone to take a step back and not take our mental health challenges too seriously. After all, laughter is contagious, and who doesn’t like a good giggle while de-cluttering their mind?
Why Give EMDR a Try?
If you’re finding yourself bogged down by OCD, consider giving EMDR a shot. With an increasing body of research supporting its effectiveness, combined with its innovative approach to dealing with tricky thought patterns, it may be the quirky yet effective roommate you need. Plus, it’s always good to have a unique story to share at a dinner party: “Oh, I successfully battled my OCD with a combination of therapy and eye movements. How about you?”
Dealing with OCD isn’t easy, but the emergence of EMDR as a potent treatment option is encouraging. The evidence is building, and as you grapple with the pesky demands of your mind, remember that help is within reach. Take a step towards reclaiming your life by exploring EMDR therapy—it might just be the fresh air your brain has been craving. Here’s to a clearer mind and fewer compulsions, one eye movement at a time!
If you or someone you know would like to try EMDR or work on your OCD contact our therapists in Pittsburgh, PA fill out our contact form, email info@elementspgh.com, or call 412-336-8832.
The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
