Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are both popular, successful treatment solutions for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety and overcoming the effects of trauma.
But, it’s not always easy to choose between two types of therapies when you aren’t sure which will be the most effective for your personal situation.
While EMDR is certainly “newer” in its popular status than CBT, does that mean it’s better for you?
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between CBT and EMDR so you can gather as much information as possible about the right therapy for your needs.
What Is EMDR?
Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing is a type of therapy is a type of treatment designed to, as the name suggests, reprocess negative thoughts and associations within the brain.
After obtaining a bit of history, an EMDR therapist will lead you in a series of rapid eye movements. This process is designed to desensitize you to the effects of the trauma you experienced. It can also help with anxious thoughts.
The reprocessing stage allows your therapist to help you replace negative beliefs and associations with positive ones. One of the unique things about EMDR is that it doesn’t focus on getting rid of negative thoughts. It doesn’t promise that the trauma you experienced will disappear.
Rather, it teaches you how to establish a different perspective. It helps to change the way you view those negative thoughts. It provides you with a greater sense of power and control. EMDR is designed to be a short-term therapy with long-term results.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on how your thought patterns lead to different behaviors, especially in certain situations.
Do you ever find yourself feeling hopeless? Maybe you even feel lost due to depression, anxiety, or PTSD. CBT is meant to target the negative thoughts, creating those feelings of hopelessness. It can help you take control by talking about your problems.
When you work with a CBT therapist, you’ll develop a greater understanding of how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviors. Eventually, you’ll learn how to separate yourself from the toxic and damaging behaviors causing more harm than good.
What Is the Difference?
There are a few key differences between CBT and EMDR that are important to note. While both are designed to help you find freedom and gain control of your thoughts, they take different approaches.
CBT requires you to talk out your issues. That can be empowering for some. For others, it’s not always easy for others to open up about what they’ve experienced or what they’re feeling. There is some talking involved in EMDR. But, it’s mostly to obtain a basic history and understanding of what you’re dealing with. If you’re not ready to open up and talk for multiple sessions, EMDR might be the better option. Additionally, EMDR is designed to be a shorter form of therapy. As such, you might see results faster and be able to move forward sooner.
However, if you’re comfortable verbalizing your feelings and you find that talking things through helps with your realization of behaviors, CBT is a valid solution. CBT can also help if you feel like you would benefit from ongoing therapy. It certainly never hurts to have someone to talk to who can help you sort out your feelings on a long-term basis.
If you’re interested in learning more about these types of therapies and which one might best suit you, contact me for more information about CBT or EMDR. Finding the “right” therapy is often crucial, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the information you need to make a comfortable, informed decision.