Many individuals go through unfortunate events that may become permanent scars on their psychological health. Unpredictable characteristics of trauma can consume thoughts, emotions, and actions. Realizing there is a way to mend from such turbulent times is crucial to progress. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) provides a systematic way to process trauma in a safe setting.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy that helps process distressing memories using guided eye movements. Participants receive guidance through the process by a trained therapist who manages the safety and support you receive, session by session. EDMR trauma treatment is an approach to help people reduce the emotional impact of challenging memories so that those memories stop feeling so immense over time.
How Does EMDR Work?
In EMDR, the therapist guides the patient to think of a traumatic memory while following a moving object with their eyes. Bilateral stimulation may involve side-to-side eye movements, light tapping of the hands, or certain sounds. The plan is for the brain to reprocess the memories that are stuck so new, healthier responses can occur. As treatment continues, people often observe a reduction in their distress.
The Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR treatment follows a structured sequence of phases. The first phase involves identifying memories causing ongoing distress. Next, the therapist helps prepare the individual by building trust and teaching coping skills. The next step focuses on assessment, which pinpoints memories and related thoughts. Reprocessing comes next, using eye movements or alternative techniques to lessen the emotional charge of the memory.
Safety and Comfort During Treatment
Therapists are very deliberate about creating a safe space to tell your story. For example, grounding exercises and relaxation methods assist in keeping emotional stability. When distress arises, the therapist will pause the session until the person feels safe enough to carry on. This results in healing and growth.
Who Benefits from EMDR?
EMDR therapy is effective for processing memories or beliefs that cause problems, such as trauma, anxiety, or negative beliefs about themselves. This treatment can help those affected by a one-time event (i.e., an accident) or by more ongoing negative experiences. After a few sessions, most people experience improvements in mood and less anxiety.
What Happens in a Session
Talk therapy sessions typically run about an hour as well, but an EMDR session is more like a dedicated hour/more focused time to administer and prepare for the EMDR. The structure of the form prompts the individual to recall an important memory, which, as instructed by the therapist, helps them to establish ordered eye levels. There are emotions or body sensations that arise in this process, and the therapist is present to facilitate the discomfort. Your peace of mind will gradually improve as memories become less strong and distressing.
The Science Behind EMDR
Evidence indicates that EMDR facilitates the processing of unprocessed memories and the proper storage of them in the brain. Studies are ongoing to better understand how this therapy works, but many experts suggest bilateral stimulation is a primary factor. Numerous studies have shown that EMDR alleviates trauma symptoms and enhances well-being.
Myths and Facts About EMDR
Others fear that EMDR will put them in a trance or cause them to forget memories. It is not a hypnotic process, nor does it erase memories. Rather, EMDR allows you to see the memories from a more sober, less painful perspective. A little knowledge is the best way to prevent misconceptions, which may keep you going for help and may even bring hope and confidence in the treatment.
Conclusion
Unlike other therapy options, EMDR provides a concise and specific approach for trauma and painful associations. With the support of a trained therapist, one learns to navigate challenging experiences and find balance again. For some, it provides a welcome sense of relief, which enables them to move forward, as they may have been too close to their past pain. It remains a healthy option for people looking to heal and find hope again.
