TABLE OF CONTENT
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy technique that was developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s.It is a type of therapy that uses eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation to help people process traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy can help individuals process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to reduce the negative emotions associated with those memories and eventually move on from the trauma.
How EMDR Therapy Works?
In an EMDR therapy session, a skilled therapist will lead the individual through a sequence of actions that encompass revisiting traumatic memories while simultaneously participating in bilateral stimulation. The objective is to assist the individual in reevaluating the memory from a fresh perspective, enabling them to effectively process and incorporate the experience into their life in a more balanced and constructive manner. The treatment approach for treating mental health issues driven by trauma is called EMDR therapy. Although its use is growing, it is best known for its role in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR focuses on altering the feelings, ideas, or actions that follow a distressing experience (trauma). By doing so, it enables your brain’s inherent healing process to continue. The structure of your brain determines how your mind functions and various networks of brain cells in different areas communicate within that structure. EMDR therapy specifically targets the sections of the brain responsible for sensory and memory processing, which can be sped up and made simpler by networking. By placing these networks back to normality, EMDR therapy can help jog vivid memories, including sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feels, and ultimately help individuals process traumatic experiences in a healthier way.
Mental Health Conditions EMDR Therapy Can Benefit
Mental health conditions can be debilitating and have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. EMDR Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, it can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. From PTSD and anxiety disorders to depression and phobias, EMDR therapy can help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the negative emotions associated with them.
People with the following Mental Health Conditions can be benefited from a EMDR Therapy:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy can help individuals process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to reduce the negative emotions associated with those memories and eventually move on from the trauma.
Anxiety Disorders
EMDR therapy can help individuals with anxiety disorders by reducing the intensity of negative emotions associated with triggering events or situations. By processing these memories in a safe and controlled environment, individuals can learn to cope with their anxiety and reduce the impact it has on their daily life.
Depression
EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for depression by helping individuals process traumatic memories or negative experiences that may be contributing to their symptoms. By reducing the negative emotions associated with these memories, individuals may experience an improvement in their mood and overall sense of well-being.
Phobias
EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for phobias by helping individuals process traumatic memories or negative experiences that may be contributing to their fear. By reducing the intensity of negative emotions associated with these memories, individuals may be able to overcome their phobia and regain control over their life.
For the most part, EMDR therapy appears to be a risk-free treatment for various mental health symptoms, but further study may provide more substantial evidence for its efficacy.
Finding an EMDR Therapist?
Many of our therapists who provide EMDR specialise in treating trauma-related mental health symptoms, though some may elect to only work with people living with PTSD. However, we always recommend our clients to proactively inquire with prospective therapists about their experience treating your concerned illness, if you’d like to try EMDR therapy for another mental health issue, such as panic disorder or symptoms of psychosis.
Our expert psychologists might even be able to suggest a therapist who would be a better fit if they don’t have experience treating people with your symptoms. So, contact us today and get one step closer to healing!
