Many people have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), but even fewer know about a related therapy that helps many people as well called Image Transformation Therapy, or ImTT.  They have much in common, but some important differences as well.  I compare them both below.  

EMDR and ImTT and Their Effects on Trauma

Both EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy treat trauma, but they look very different in how they are performed.  EMDR requires using bilateral stimulation, which is a fancy expression for following a hand moving in front of your face with your eyes, using taps on both sides of your body (either done yourself or by an electronic device), or by using sounds in headphones or a lightbar in front of you.  ImTT, on the other hand, requires none of that.  It only requires you to breathe and follow a visualization procedure to be able to get rid of traumatic feelings and/or memories.  They both serve to neutralize trauma, and some of my clients have used both and can’t tell the difference on how they feel afterwards.  The bottom line is still the same:  they work with the vast majority of people they are used with.  

How Long Does It Take to do EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy?

EMDR usually takes longer to build up to and to do, simply because of how much more technical it is.  For people who have an extensive history of trauma, it can take a while to complete treatment.  You can make progress with it even after a few months, but it takes longer to build up to.  Image Transformation Therapy, on the other hand, can be started very soon after starting therapy compared to EMDR.  It doesn’t have a preparation phase, like EMDR does, so people can start processing trauma and disturbing feelings and experiences sooner than with EMDR.  I like to use the analogy of the difference between a Cadillac and a Ferrari for these, they both get you to where you want to go in style, but one usually takes longer than the other to get you there.  

Can EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy As Coping Tools?

Both of these can be used for coping or on one’s own to some extent.  Doing the bilateral stimulation can be helpful and effective used by yourself after a period of time of making progress in therapy.  ImTT can be used by yourself as well, but mainly via recordings you can listen to that your therapist can provide you to use in between sessions.  The self-tapping can be helpful when you’re on the go, but Image Transformation Therapy isn’t meant to be used that way.  You need to be more off by yourself to be able to focus and do the visualization to help eliminate the emotional problem.  

Are EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy Used for Relaxation?

They both can be relaxing, and EMDR incorporates relaxation techniques into its preparation phase.  ImTT is more relaxing as part of the process, although most of my clients report feeling more relaxed after doing both of them.  There’s something about using bilateral stimulation that tends to promote relaxation, and anyone who’s done any form of deep breathing in yoga or on its own can attest to how it is relaxing as well. 

How I Can Help With EMDR and ImTT

I have been using EMDR with my clients for almost 9 years now, and have been a certified clinician for almost 7 years now.  I am also fully trained in ImTT as well, and have been helping clients using it for about 7 years as well.  If you want to find out about whether one or both of these could help you, I’m available for a free 20-minute phone consult to help you figure that out. Just fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call my number listed up in the banner of this page.  We are in such an unprecedented time in our history where the need for effective means of processing trauma and other potholes in people’s lives has never been greater.  Do yourself a favor and start getting on the road to healing today!

Visit our specialty page on trauma therapy to learn more about how Scott can help you overcome trauma.  

About the author:  Scott Kampschaefer, LCSW is a private practice therapist in Frederick, Maryland.  He has an extensive background in working with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at a clinic for older adults with these disorders in Austin.  He now works with adults and adolescents 14 and up in private practice. His new book is entitled The 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery and is available for purchase on Amazon and in paperback on this website.