Trauma can be incredibly debilitating and difficult to overcome, but there is hope. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has become increasingly popular as a treatment for trauma, with many studies showing that it is highly effective in helping individuals recover from traumatic experiences. This form of psychotherapy works by unlocking the memories associated with the trauma and allowing them to be processed in a healthy way. In this blog, we will explore how EMDR works on an emotional level, common techniques used during sessions and the potential benefits those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may find through its use.
Blog Outline
- What is EMDR Therapy?
- How Does EMDR Work?
- The Benefits of Using EMDR Therapy to Treat PTSD
- Finding a Therapist
- What to Expect From Treatment
- Take The First Step
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people recover from traumatic experiences. It uses special techniques to unlock the memories associated with the trauma, so it can be processed in a healthy way. This can help people struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) manage their symptoms and feel better.
How Does EMDR Work?
The idea behind EMDR is that the body can be trained to process trauma in a healthy way. During a session, the therapist will ask the patient to focus on certain memories related to the trauma while their eyes move back and forth. This rapid eye movement (REM) works like an internal energy release valve, unlocking and reprocessing the traumatic memories so that they can be processed in a healthy way.
The Benefits of Using EMDR Therapy to Treat PTSD
The use of EMDR therapy as a treatment for PTSD has been shown to be highly effective. Studies have found that EMDR is more successful than traditional therapies (like talk therapy) in helping people to manage and reduce their symptoms. It can help individuals become more resilient, cope better with stress, and even reduce their incidence of nightmares and flashbacks.
Additionally, EMDR can provide a sense of closure and healing after traumatic events. By unlocking the memories associated with the trauma, individuals are able to process them in a healthy way, allowing them to move past their experience and begin to heal.
Finding a Therapist
Finding an EMDR therapist to help treat trauma can be a daunting task, but it is possible with the right information and resources. The most important thing when looking for a therapist is that they have experience and expertise in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, it is important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable talking to and can trust to help guide you through the process.
What to Expect From Treatment
EMDR treatment typically consists of 8-12 sessions. During each session, the therapist will help the client to identify and focus on a particular memory or related experience associated with the trauma. The client will then be asked to focus their eyes rapidly back and forth in order to unlock and reprocess the memories in a healthy way. This REM process helps the client to become desensitized to the trauma and allows them to process it in a safe and healthy way.
Take The First Step
At Lisa Eaton Therapy, we understand the importance of effective treatment options for those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). That’s why we provide EMDR therapy to our clients. Our goal is to help individuals unlock and reprocess their traumatic memories in a safe and healthy way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, contact Lisa Eaton Therapy today. Our experienced therapists will provide the support and guidance necessary to help unlock traumatic memories and take the first step towards healing.
