How EMDR Therapy Can Help with Dental Mental Issues

Posted by Tim Tarks on June 21st, 2023

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach primarily used to treat psychological trauma, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. While EMDR therapy is not specifically designed to address dental issues directly, it can be beneficial for individuals who experience dental-related anxiety, phobias, or trauma. Here's how EMDR therapy can potentially help:

1. Addressing Dental Phobia or Anxiety: Many people experience dental phobia or anxiety, which can make dental visits and procedures extremely challenging. EMDR therapy can help identify and process the underlying causes of these fears, such as past negative experiences or trauma related to dental treatment. By targeting and reprocessing these memories and associated emotions, EMDR therapy can reduce dental-related phobia or anxiety.
2. Trauma Resolution: Dental issues can sometimes result from traumatic experiences, such as accidents, injuries, or invasive dental procedures. EMDR therapy is particularly effective in treating trauma by desensitizing distressing memories and reducing the emotional impact associated with them. By working through the traumatic experiences and their associated emotions, EMDR therapy can help individuals overcome the psychological barriers that may contribute to their dental issues.
3. Relaxation and Coping Skills: EMDR therapy incorporates relaxation techniques and stress management strategies, which can be beneficial for individuals dealing with dental issues. By learning and practicing these techniques during therapy sessions, individuals can develop effective coping skills to manage their dental-related stress and anxiety. These skills can be applied before, during, and after dental visits to promote a sense of calm and control.
4. Positive Resource Development: EMDR therapy also focuses on building positive resources and strengths within individuals. This can involve identifying and strengthening internal resources, such as resilience, self-esteem, and feelings of safety, which can help individuals feel more empowered and in control of their dental experiences. Developing positive resources can contribute to a more positive and relaxed mindset when facing dental issues.

So while EMDR Therapy is not to be used in a dental practice, some patients may benefit from seeing a mental health professional for dental related conditions.

Tools to Deliver EMDR Therapy

To deliver EMDR therapy, therapists commonly use the following tools and techniques:

1. Eye Movement: Guiding eye movements or utilizing light bars and handheld buzzers for bilateral stimulation.
2. Auditory or Tactile Stimuli: Alternating sounds or vibrations as alternatives to eye movements.
3. EMDR Protocol: Following a structured protocol with eight phases for systematic treatment.
4. Reprocessing Techniques: Using dual attention stimulus to desensitize distressing memories and reframe them.
5. Resource Development: Identifying and strengthening internal resources for healing and resilience.
6. Assessment Tools: Utilizing scales like SUD and VOC to evaluate progress and treatment targets.
7. Note-taking and Tracking: Keeping records of sessions to monitor progress and insights.
8. EMDR Worksheets and EMDR Therapy Templates can help you put everything together for your clients.

Final Thoughts on EMDR for Overcoming Dental Issues

It's important to note that EMDR therapy should be conducted by a trained and licensed mental health professional who specializes in this approach. If you believe that your dental issues are related to underlying trauma, anxiety, or phobia, it may be beneficial to seek out a therapist experienced in EMDR therapy to explore its potential benefits for your specific situation. Additionally, it's always recommended to consult with a dental professional for appropriate dental care and treatment alongside any psychological therapy.