MainEMDR TherapyCitiesServicesWhat We TreatAll IssuesEncyclopedia of TraumaTherapy GuideTherapy MethodsRelationships & EMDRSession FormatsPricing & BookingAbout UsFind a TherapistAll TherapistsTeam & ProjectsContactFAQFAQ (Extended)GalleryFree CallBlogTypographyFind a Partner

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions are collected here. Didn't find yours? Write to info@e-mdr.org or call — we'll help. For the EMDR method, see EMDR Therapy .

1. About the Center

What is the "Encyclopedia" Center?

The Center for Scientific Psychology and EMDR Therapy "Encyclopedia" is a team of 11 specialists united by a common approach: we work only with evidence-based methods. Founder — Ilya Tsar, accredited EMDR therapist (EMDRIA). More details — About Us.

Where is the center located?

Moscow, 4 Klinskaya St. At the same time, we work online worldwide — our clients span from Europe to Asia, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. More details — Contact.

What licenses and qualifications do you have?

All specialists hold higher education in psychology or medicine. Ilya Tsar — accredited EMDR therapist by EMDRIA (USA), trained by Mark Nickerson, Bruce Hersey, Thomas Zimmerman. Vasily Serov — practicing psychiatrist. Each specialist's qualifications are listed on their personal pages.

Do you accept clients from other countries?

Yes. We work online with Russian-speaking and English-speaking clients worldwide. Ilya Tsar and Dmitry Volkov conduct sessions fluently in English. More details — Session Formats.

2. About EMDR

What is EMDR in simple terms?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a method where the therapist helps the brain naturally process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, sounds, or tapping). Full overview — EMDR Therapy.

How does EMDR work on a brain level?

Traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain — they get "stuck" in an unprocessed state and trigger a "here-and-now" reaction. Bilateral stimulation activates the brain's natural information processing mechanism (similar to what occurs during REM sleep), helping the brain "re-store" the memory in an adaptive form.

Is EMDR an evidence-based method?

Yes. EMDR is recommended by: WHO (since 2013), American Psychological Association (APA, since 2004), UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Over 40 randomized controlled trials confirm its effectiveness. More — EMDR Therapy.

Is EMDR hypnosis?

No. In EMDR, you are fully conscious and in complete control of the process. Hypnosis involves an altered state of consciousness; EMDR works in a normal waking state. You can stop the process at any time.

What issues does EMDR address?

EMDR is effective for: PTSD and C-PTSD, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, phobias, consequences of violence and abuse, grief, attachment trauma, self-esteem issues. Full spectrum — Focus Areas and Encyclopedia of Trauma.

How many EMDR sessions are needed?

It depends on the concern. Single trauma (car accident, assault) — 3–6 sessions. Complex trauma (C-PTSD, long-term abuse effects) — from several months to a year. We'll determine more precisely at the first consultation.

3. About the Therapy Process

How does the first meeting go?

First meeting — free, 20–30 minutes, online. You meet the specialist, describe your situation, get preliminary recommendations. No obligation to continue. Book — Free Call.

What should I prepare for the first session?

Nothing special. Just a willingness to talk about what's bothering you. If you have medical documents, you can bring them, but it's not required.

How often do sessions take place?

Usually once a week. For intensive work — twice a week. For maintenance therapy — once every two weeks. The schedule is tailored individually.

How long is one session?

Standard session — 50 minutes. EMDR intensive — 90 minutes. First introductory meeting — 20–30 minutes.

Can I stop therapy?

Yes, at any time. We recommend discussing it with your therapist — sometimes the desire to leave is itself part of the process. But the decision is always yours.

What if the specialist isn't a good fit?

That's normal. Therapeutic alliance is a key success factor. If one doesn't fit — we'll find another. No hard feelings; we support informed choice.

What is messenger-based support?

A format where you communicate with the specialist via Telegram or WhatsApp through voice and text messages. The specialist responds within 48 hours. Convenient for maintenance therapy. More — Session Formats.

How confidential is this?

Everything you say stays between you and your therapist. We follow the psychologist's code of ethics. 100% anonymous therapy is available: you may not disclose your real name, payment via cryptocurrency. More — Session Formats.

4. About Specialists

What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist works with psychotherapy methods, without medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Our center has both: Vasily Serov — psychiatrist, and the rest are psychologists. They collaborate when needed.

How do I choose a specialist?

Check out the Find a Therapist page — cards of all 11 specialists with descriptions. If you're unsure — book a free introductory meeting, we'll help you choose. Or write to the administrator.

Is there a child psychologist?

Yes. Alexey Smirnov — child psychologist and EMDR therapist, works with children and adolescents using an adapted child EMDR protocol.

Do you work with couples?

Yes. Family and couple therapy: Anna Soboleva (systemic family therapist, EFT), Maria Petrova, Ulyana K. More — Relationships & EMDR.

What languages are sessions available in?

Russian and English. Ilya Tsar and Dmitry Volkov conduct sessions fluently in English.

5. About Payment and Formats

How much does a session cost?

Individual (50 min) — from 5,000 RUB. Psychiatrist — 6,000 RUB. Ilya Tsar — 10,000 RUB. Couple therapy (80 min) — from 7,500 RUB. Full price list — Pricing & Booking.

Are there discounts on session packages?

Yes, when paying for a package of 5 or 10 sessions — a discount applies. Ask the administrator.

How do I pay?

Bank transfer or corporate invoice. Payment before the session. For anonymous therapy — cryptocurrency.

What are the cancellation and rescheduling policies?

Free — no later than 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours — 50% of the cost. No-show without notice — 100%.

Do you work with health insurance?

No. We do not collaborate with insurance companies. All services are paid directly.

Is online therapy equally effective?

Yes. Research shows online EMDR is not inferior to in-person format. We use secure video platforms. More — Session Formats.

6. About Contraindications and Safety

Who is EMDR not suitable for?

EMDR is not recommended in the acute phase of psychosis, with severe uncontrolled epilepsy, or in a state of acute intoxication. During pregnancy — with caution and in consultation with a doctor. At the first consultation, the therapist will assess whether the method is right for you.

Will I feel bad after a session?

Mild fatigue or emotional sensitivity may occur for 1–2 days — this is normal; the brain continues processing. The therapist will teach self-regulation techniques so you can cope. You can always message the specialist between sessions.

Can EMDR be combined with antidepressants?

Yes, EMDR combines well with medication therapy. Moreover, our psychiatrist Vasily Serov manages clients jointly with the center's psychologists when needed.

Do I need to prepare specially for an EMDR session?

No special preparation is required. It's advisable not to consume alcohol 24 hours before the session and to get a good night's sleep. In the first sessions, the therapist will teach stabilization techniques — that is the preparation.

Still have questions?

A free 20-minute consultation. We'll answer all your questions and match you with a specialist. Message us:

Categories: FAQ · Common Questions · EMDR · Therapy Process · Payment · Safety