How to Define EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes eye movement to help you process disturbing memories. It has become widely used to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychosis.
Stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have detrimental effects on physical health, as well as mental and emotional well-being. EMDR therapy has been proven to alleviate PTSD symptoms for those who have endured traumatic events by helping them better manage these symptoms.
In EMDR, the treatment process takes place over multiple sessions. In the initial phase, you and your therapist discuss both past experiences and current stressors. They then identify possible EMDR targets such as distressing memories or situations that cause you pain. Furthermore, they offer guidance in developing new skills to cope with stressful circumstances.
Your therapist will guide you through a series of rapid eye movements, sounds or tactile stimulation that engages different parts of your brain. Focusing on an image of your target while following their finger with your eyes may cause different thoughts about the traumatic event.
Reframing the memory can help you make it less distressing. A therapist will also assist in recognizing any bodily tension or uncomfortable feelings such as sweating, trembling, nausea or dizziness you might experience.
The EMDR process consists of several stages and typically takes six to twelve sessions. Your therapist will monitor your progress during these sessions and make necessary changes based on what you tell them about yourself and your progress.
At the start of your treatment plan, you’ll take a detailed history of your trauma and establish clear objectives for treatment. After that, we’ll work together in multiple sessions to address each specific issue that was brought up during the initial assessment.
In the second phase, you’ll select a traumatic memory that triggers PTSD symptoms and work with your therapist to reprocess it. This can be an emotionally charged endeavor for those living with PTSD.
During this stage, you’ll begin to visualize the trauma as well as all its thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. Your therapist can assist in recognizing any negative beliefs about yourself or others that may have arisen during this time.
Once you’ve processed your traumatic memory, the next step is desensitization. Your therapist will guide you in practicing relaxation as you focus on the memory and any bodily tension or discomfort it causes. They may also teach you how to reframe the experience in a positive light so that it no longer interferes with daily living.
Reevaluation is the final phase, in which your therapist evaluates progress and decides if additional sessions are necessary. This allows them to adjust their treatment plan accordingly and guarantee you receive maximum benefit from EMDR therapy.
Studies have demonstrated that EMDR can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and enhance psychological well-being for those who have endured traumatic events. Furthermore, these studies suggest EMDR may decrease medication requirements, alleviate depression symptoms, and treat stress-related disorders like anxiety. Moreover, it could prove useful when treating refugee populations suffering from PTSD; furthermore, it could reduce hallucinations and delusions common during psychosis.
