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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma. It has been widely praised in the United States and is currently used by agencies such as the American Psychiatric Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Types of Trauma treated by EMDR Therapy
Those suffering from PTSD caused by major traumas such as sexual or physical assault, combat experiences, accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one can benefit from EMDR therapy. Sessions work to alleviate PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, angry outbursts, difficulties sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of depression and isolation.
Recent research has pointed to the fact that PTSD can also result from less dramatic life events, such as hurtful experiences during childhood. In some cases, these can cause even more symptoms of PTSD than major traumas like combat or terrorist attacks.
How Trauma Impacts the Brain
In either case, once trauma has been experienced, there is a disruption in how the brain processes information. In a “non-traumatized” brain that has not experienced a shocking event, processing systems digest information about what has been experienced and make appropriate connections. Those reactions to the event that are no longer useful, any emotions or physical sensations, are released.
However, when an individual experiences a traumatic event, this processing system is disrupted and the negative memories and emotions, as well as physical sensations and beliefs, are stored in the brain. These stored traumatic interpretations mingle with current events to color them negatively. In short, the past becomes the present.
EMDR Helps to Heal the Past
EMDR is an effective protocol to treat these unprocessed past memories that are poisoning the present. EMDR is able to remove the anxiety, fear, and sadness that cause individuals to avoid or overreact to situations.
EMDR techniques allow individuals to identify early memories that are the root of their problems and change their emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensations surrounding them. These same techniques can also help people achieve desired goals by understanding why they do what they do and how they can manage life and their own behaviors better.
Concerns and Problems that are helped by EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy is often high-effective in addressing present-day symptoms. These symptoms are often the result of past traumas. EMDR is used to treat a variety of issues including:
Panic attacks
Complicated grief
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Pain disorders
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or Physical abuse
Body dysmorphic disorders
Personality Disorders
Contact Us
Learn more about our EMDR Therapy and EMDR Intensive programs. If you or a loved one suffer from any of the above and believe you may benefit from EMDR, please contact us. Our trained EMDR therapists would be happy to discuss how this particular therapy approach might help.
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