Is EMDR Brainwashing? Unpacking the Truth Behind the Therapy

Honestly, when I first heard about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, I was a bit skeptical. "Is it brainwashing?" I thought. The term "brainwashing" can stir up a lot of emotion, so when I encountered the question, I had to dig deeper. Is EMDR a legitimate therapeutic tool, or is it something more sinister? Let's break it down together.

What is EMDR?

Before diving into whether or not EMDR is brainwashing, it’s essential to understand what EMDR actually is. In simple terms, EMDR is a psychotherapy technique used primarily to help people process and overcome trauma. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, and it involves the use of bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, while the patient recalls traumatic memories. The idea is that this bilateral stimulation helps the brain process those memories, reducing their emotional charge.

How Does EMDR Work?

Actually, this is where it gets pretty fascinating. In a typical session, the therapist will ask you to focus on a traumatic memory while following their hand with your eyes. The rhythmic eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are believed to help your brain "reprocess" the traumatic memory, which can reduce the distressing emotions attached to it. I tried this once during a session for some unresolved past experiences, and honestly, it was pretty intense—but the results were surprisingly positive.

Is EMDR a Form of Brainwashing?

Okay, so this is the big question. When people ask, "Is EMDR brainwashing?" they usually mean, "Is this technique manipulating or controlling my thoughts in a harmful way?" The short answer? No, EMDR is not brainwashing.

What Brainwashing Actually Is

Let's take a step back and talk about what brainwashing really means. Brainwashing involves systematic manipulation to control someone’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions, often without their consent or awareness. It’s a process that typically involves coercion, isolation, and manipulation of emotions in extreme ways. So, no—EMDR does not fit that definition. It’s not about forcing someone to adopt new beliefs or thoughts, but rather about helping them process and heal from painful memories.

EMDR and Informed Consent

One of the key aspects of EMDR therapy is informed consent. This is something that sets it apart from the idea of brainwashing. When you go to an EMDR session, you’re there voluntarily, and you know what to expect. You have control over the process, and the therapist works with you to ensure that you’re comfortable. It’s nothing like the manipulation you might associate with brainwashing.

The Science Behind EMDR: Does It Actually Work?

Now, you might be wondering if EMDR is just some fancy technique with no real backing. Actually, there’s a growing body of research supporting EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. It’s been used successfully to treat PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions related to trauma. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, the evidence suggests that it works for many people.

My Experience with EMDR

Honestly, I was pretty skeptical the first time I went for an EMDR session. I mean, moving my eyes back and forth while thinking about painful memories? It sounded a bit too strange to be true. But after a few sessions, I noticed a difference in how I processed certain memories. They didn’t have the same emotional hold over me. It wasn’t about erasing the memory; it was about giving me the ability to look at it differently.

Concerns About EMDR: Why the Confusion?

I think some of the confusion around EMDR and the term "brainwashing" comes from the unfamiliarity of the process. It's not like traditional talk therapy, and it's pretty different from the techniques you might see in movies or read about in conspiracy theories. It’s also the fact that it involves a kind of altered state of awareness. During an EMDR session, you’re not unconscious or manipulated; you’re fully aware, but it’s a different experience than simply talking about your feelings.

Trust in the Therapist-Patient Relationship

One thing that’s key in any therapy, including EMDR, is the relationship between the therapist and the patient. In any therapeutic setting, especially with something as intimate as trauma, you have to trust that your therapist is guiding you in a way that’s safe and beneficial. If you’re not comfortable with the process, you should always feel empowered to stop and discuss your concerns. No one should ever feel like they’re being manipulated.

Conclusion: EMDR is Not Brainwashing, But It’s Not for Everyone

So, is EMDR brainwashing? Definitely not. It’s a legitimate therapy that can help people process trauma and difficult emotions in a safe, controlled environment. However, it’s important to recognize that, like any therapeutic approach, EMDR doesn’t work for everyone. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the process, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re curious about it, my best advice is to try it with an open mind, but also trust your instincts and be honest with your therapist if something doesn’t feel right.

In the end, EMDR is about healing and empowerment, not control.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.