Different presentations of trauma are more suitable for talk therapy while others for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Choosing one’s approach to therapy often not only depends on symptom presentation, but also the unique needs and desires of the client. It is something that we collaborate to determine together.

Psychodynamic therapy can be ideal for those who are open to traditional talk therapy. It tends to attract people who are curious and want to understand their experiences, emotions, and desires. There is an orientation towards the belief that therapy can be more than accessing the “right” skills- rather, it can be about finding meaning in discovering and reflecting upon significant life patterns and insight.

Often presenting symptoms have a significant effect on daily functioning. So much so that it can make desensitizing the emotional charge of symptoms a priority in one’s treatment. In other words, as helpful at talk therapy can be, getting through the day without traumatic flashbacks, anxiety attacks, dissociating, etc. needs to come first. This is where EMDR comes in. EMDR can be highly effective at desensitizing traumatic memories, phobias, etc. It’s an approach suitable for active PTSD symptoms. It is also a helpful approach for those who find a traumatic memory or event too dysregulating or triggering to verbally process.

In my experience, I’ve found that integrating EMDR into psychodynamic oriented therapy has been the most effective approach.