What Is EMDR Therapy Used For And How Can It Help
In the therapy world, there are a variety of treatment methods that are useful when helping people with mental health concerns. While most people think that therapy is only talking through issues, that isn't quite the full truth. Because therapy is more than just talking and is based on a foundation of science and research.
One of these treatment methods is known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR. At first glance, EMDR can seem like a very complicated science experiment. While EMDR is a scientifically proven treatment method, it is definitely not an experiment.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is an alternative approach to talk therapy or traditional counseling. When a person has gone through something distressing, it can alter the way their brain functions and prevent them from healing or moving past the event.
You can almost think of EMDR as a way to reset the brain to reverse the psychological damage that highly stressful situations can cause.
What Does EMDR Help With?
EMDR can help with a variety of mental health concerns. Most notably, it has been found to be the most successful for clients who have experienced trauma, also commonly known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) PTSD is known by most people to happen to those who went through war or sexual abuse. However, anyone, for any reason, can experience trauma. Some common examples of traumatic events that can cause distress are:
● Car accidents
● Witnessing or being a victim of a crime
● Childhood abuse
● Mental or physical abuse
How Does EMDR Work?
After a traumatic event, most people will commonly try to push it to the back of their minds. It's that age-old saying, "out of sight, out of mind," except with trauma, it doesn't really go away. In fact, purposefully not processing memories and feelings associated with trauma causes the body to hold on to them even longer.
During a therapy session, a client will work directly with their therapist. Utilizing bilateral stimulation, or eye movement, the therapist will ask the client to revisit the painful memory that they went through.
Using their memory, the therapist will use specific eye movement exercises and tapping to help the client revisit and process the memories in a healthier way. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require a person to constantly talk about their past trauma. In this way, EMDR is a lot less stressful for clients.
Processing Trauma When You Can't Remember It
During a traumatic event, sometimes the brain will almost shut itself off as a coping mechanism to keep you safe. But, due to this, there can be a disconnection between what you went through and actually remember. Not being able to remember exact details of the trauma isn't needed with EMDR in order to heal.
Is There A Process To EMDR Therapy?
Yes. In total, there are eight phases in the EMDR process. Depending on the success of each phase, some phases may need to be repeated In chronological order the phases are:
A history intake
Preparation for the client
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation of Treatment
How Can I Participate In EMDR Therapy?
EMDR Therapy can be highly beneficial in treating not only trauma but anxiety and depression as well. EMDR Therapy is most successful when it is done by a licensed therapist who is trained and certified to practice it.
I understand how trauma and other mental health issues can be for someone to deal with. Healing from a traumatic event is challenging, but is made easier through EMDR. When you are ready, contact me to find out how EMDR Therapy can help you move forward.