EMDR Therapy Informed Consent

What EMDR is
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment modality, recommended in international guidelines for posttraumatic stress and other conditions in which distressing memories play a role, such as complicated grief, phobias and certain anxiety problems. During EMDR, you briefly bring a distressing memory to mind while following bilateral stimulation — usually guided eye movements, sometimes tones, tapping or other exercises. This helps the brain reprocess the memory, so that it gradually loses its emotional charge. The memory itself remains; it simply becomes easier to live with.

What to expect
Your therapist will first take time to understand your history and goals, and to prepare the work together with you at a pace that suits you. EMDR sessions at BMHC usually last at least 45 minutes. The number of sessions varies from person to person; you and your therapist will review progress together regularly.

Before a session
Please avoid benzodiazepines or other sedative medication on the day of a session, unless explicitly agreed with your therapist or psychiatrist - these can dampen the emotional processing that EMDR relies on. If you use sedatives regularly, discuss this with your therapist and/or doctor so the timing can be planned properly. Come rested if you can, and allow some breathing space in your agenda after the session.

After a session
Processing continues after the session itself - most noticeably in the first 24 to 72 hours, occasionally up to a week. Some people notice vivid dreams, fatigue, waves of emotion, or the surfacing of related memories. This is a normal and usually short-lived part of the process. For the day of the session itself, we advise you not to drive if you feel shaken or absent-minded, and to avoid demanding activities such as important meetings, heavy physical work or difficult conversations. You are always welcome to sit down in our waiting room after a session and take a moment with a glass of water before heading home.

If emotions run high between sessions
A few simple techniques can help you settle. Place both feet flat on the floor, feel the contact, and look around the room naming five things you can see. Breathe out slowly and longer than you breathe in, for a minute or two. Hold something cool, such as a glass of water, and focus on the sensation. Remind yourself that this is old material being processed — it belongs to then, not to now. Contact your therapist or BMHC reception if the distress does not settle within a few days, if you feel persistently detached or unreal, if sleep becomes seriously disrupted, or if thoughts of harming yourself emerge. In case of urgent distress outside working hours, call the emergency services (112) or go to the nearest emergency department.

What we ask of you
The most important thing is openness. Let your therapist know about relevant medical or psychiatric conditions, medication changes, substance use, or ongoing legal proceedings related to the events being treated. This allows us to tailor the treatment safely to your situation.

Your choice, at all times
Participation in EMDR is entirely voluntary. You can slow down, pause or stop at any moment, without this affecting your care at BMHC in any way. Alternatives exist - including trauma-focused cognitive therapies and, where appropriate, medication - and your therapist will gladly discuss them with you.

Confidentiality
Everything you share is confidential and stored securely, in accordance with GDPR and Belgian law. Information is only shared with your consent, or in the rare situations where the law requires it, such as serious and imminent danger.

Practical
Sessions are billed at your therapist's BMHC rate for EMDR; reimbursement depends on your insurance. If you cannot attend, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance.