EMDR Therapy – What You Should Know
If you’re facing difficulties in your life, EMDR therapy may be the answer. This treatment method is a relatively new yet highly effective way of dealing with traumatic memories and mental health conditions. While EMDR is most often used to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it has the potential to be beneficial for many other issues as well.
EMDR (Evidence-Based Metaphor Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is becoming increasingly popular for treating patients of all ages who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression or trauma related to disturbing events in their past. Studies have demonstrated EMDR’s effectiveness at helping individuals conquer these problems and move forward in life with more peace, clarity and purpose.
The EMDR process is an 8-phase system designed to activate your body’s natural psychological healing processes. Your therapist will employ various techniques to help you process memories, emotions and beliefs from your past that are keeping you stuck or restricting progress in the present.
Some of these techniques involve activating your senses. Your therapist might for instance stimulate your vision by having you follow a moving light with your eyes or use an instrument that pulses both sides of your body simultaneously.
Your therapist may also employ your sense of touch. They may tap on your hands, arms or thighs. You have the freedom to select which technique feels most comfortable for you and which one suits best your needs.
Your therapist will guide you through sessions to focus on specific parts of your past. They then use EMDR techniques to help trigger feelings or memories that have been holding you back from living life fully.
They will also assist you in developing coping skills and other helpful strategies to help you navigate difficult times. Doing so can give you a feeling of control over your life, as well as greater emotional control – potentially speeding up the process of resolving traumatic memories or mental health issues.
Your EMDR therapist is also there to offer support and encouragement during this period. They can answer any queries you might have, as well as giving feedback on how sessions are progressing.
Sessions usually last a few weeks. Your therapist will check in with you regularly about how the sessions are progressing and determine if any additional appointments are necessary.
Healing from trauma can take time, and if you have a history of mental health issues, it may take more than the average number of EMDR sessions to make a significant change. That is why finding an experienced therapist who can offer support and who has knowledge regarding EMDR is so important.
The EMDR process offers a safe, non-judgmental space to work through your issues with someone who will listen attentively and help find solutions tailored specifically for you. It’s ideal for those who have tried other forms of therapy but are still not seeing results they desire.