Exploring EMDR: How Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Can Help Trauma Recovery7/15/2024 Discover the Benefits of EMDR Therapy You've heard others talk about the positive impacts of EMDR therapy and you're considering trying it yourself, but you still have questions. Let’s address some of the most common concerns. What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to alleviate emotional distress, trauma, and pain. It helps people heal from disturbing life experiences more quickly than traditional therapies. Just as your body works to heal a cut on your leg, your mind can and wants to heal from trauma. If a wound gets infected, it prevents healing. Similarly, a painful memory can block your emotional healing. EMDR therapy helps remove this block, allowing your mind to process the memory and store it in long-term memory properly. During EMDR therapy, we work on replacing negative beliefs and messages about yourself with positive ones, clearing your body of sensations related to past events. Understanding "Reprocessing" in EMDR "Reprocessing" in EMDR does not involve talking about the traumatic event repeatedly. Instead, it sets up a "learning state" that allows problematic experiences and memories to be digested and stored appropriately in your brain. Useful aspects of the experience are retained with positive beliefs and emotions, while inappropriate emotions and body sensations are discarded. What to Expect in an EMDR Session We’ll begin with an overview of your history to build trust and ensure you feel safe. Together, we'll identify 3-5 present triggers, memories, images, or sensations to address with EMDR. We'll try different types of bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements, hand pulsars, self-tapping, or auditory tones. During the session, you'll focus on a specific memory or present trigger, associated thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. When you're ready, we'll apply the chosen BLS method. This process mimics REM sleep, helping your brain reprocess the memory. The memory won't be erased, but it will no longer trigger intense reactions. Is EMDR Like Hypnosis? While both EMDR and hypnosis tap into your subconscious mind, EMDR keeps you fully awake, alert, and present. You remain conscious of your body and emotions throughout the session. You are in control and can choose to take a break or stop at any point. Is There Homework in EMDR Therapy? Typically, no homework is required in EMDR therapy, though practicing relaxation or breathing techniques between sessions can be beneficial. If you forget or choose not to do them, EMDR therapy will still be effective. What Can EMDR Therapy Treat? Originally used for PTSD, EMDR therapy has proven effective for a wide range of issues, including:
EMDR therapy is generally safe, with potential side effects early in treatment including dizziness, increased emotional intensity, and heightened physical sensations. These effects typically diminish as memories become less distressing. Choosing a therapist with advanced training and experience in EMDR is crucial. We'll ensure you have coping skills to manage any reactions and use grounding and relaxation exercises at the end of sessions. Can I Do EMDR Therapy on My Own? While you can use some relaxation techniques independently, the guidance of a therapist is vital to avoid getting stuck in traumatic memories. A therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for deeper and more effective processing. Will EMDR Therapy Work for Me? If you're experiencing overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, or numbing sensations, EMDR therapy is likely to benefit you. It offers a way to face your fears and emotions holistically and directly, often providing relief in a relatively short time. Many clients notice lasting, positive results after just eight sessions. Take the Next Step Stress and trauma don't have to control your life. Accepting help is the first step to recovery. You deserve a life free from emotional burdens. With EMDR therapy, you can achieve lasting peace and a future with less emotional baggage. Talk to us about EMDR therapy today. Let go of your fear and take control of your life. Together, we can help you live a life worth living. Britney L Dixon, |
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