What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy approach designed to help people reprocess traumatic memories, reducing the emotional intensity associated with them. This integrative psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and many other conditions. EMDR has been endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective treatment.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapy method that uses a technique called bilateral stimulation to repeatedly activate opposite sides of the brain. Therapists often use eye movements to facilitate bilateral stimulation. These eye movements mimic the period of sleep referred to as rapid eye movement or REM sleep. This portion of sleep is frequently considered to be the time when the mind processes the recent events in your life.
EMDR can help the brain reprocess trapped memories where normal information processing can resume. Therapists often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process negative or limiting beliefs that develop from childhood or relational trauma.
What does EMDR help treat?
EMDR was originally established to treat PTSD. Although this therapeutic process has since proven extremely helpful for treatment of the following conditions:
- Addictions
- Anxiety (generalized/performance)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders
- Complicated grief
- Dissociative Disorders
- Disturbing memories
- Pain Disorders
- Panic attacks
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Sexual/physical abuse
- Stress reduction
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
- Rapid Results - Compared to traditional talk therapy, EMDR can often produce results in fewer sessions. This makes it particularly helpful for individuals seeking faster relief from symptoms.
- Reduced Emotional Distress - EMDR helps desensitize individuals to triggering memories or situations, reducing anxiety, panic, and other stress-related reactions.
- Improved Cognitive Processing - It helps clients change negative beliefs about themselves (e.g., "I am helpless" or "I am unworthy") into more positive and empowering thoughts.
- Non-Invasive and Drug-Free - EMDR does not rely on medications and involves minimal physical or intrusive techniques, making it a preferred option for those who wish to avoid pharmaceutical treatments.
- Enhanced Emotional Resilience - By processing unresolved trauma, individuals often experience improved emotional stability and resilience in everyday life.
- Long-Lasting Results - Research indicates that the benefits of EMDR therapy are durable, with many clients maintaining progress years after treatment.
- Adaptable to Individual Needs - EMDR can be customized to a person’s specific issues, whether they stem from childhood trauma, a single incident, or ongoing stressors.
- Holistic Approach - EMDR integrates physical and emotional processing, addressing the mind-body connection that is often impacted by trauma.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, it’s important to work with a trained and certified EMDR therapist to ensure the best outcomes.
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for EMDR therapy. Contact me today for a free consultation to see if EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.
For more information and research regarding this therapeutic technique, visit: https://www.emdria.org/