If you or someone close to you struggles with mental health issues, you’re likely familiar with the standard treatments: therapy, medication, and perhaps hospitalization. But have you heard of EMDR therapy? This promising treatment is helping people overcome all sorts of mental health issues, from PTSD to anxiety and depression. Let’s explore how EMDR therapy works and what its benefits are.

How can EMDR help with trauma and PTSD specifically?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps to resolve traumatic memories by stimulating both sides of the brain. Through guided eye movements, the patient’s reprocessing capacity is activated which can help identify unresolved issues linked to the trauma, and allows them to gain insight into their emotional state. EMDR has been shown to be extremely effective in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it helps patients re-establish a healthy regulation of their emotions and memory which can otherwise be disrupted by PTSD. Furthermore, it helps individuals to directly address their traumatic experiences in a safe environment without having to relive them out loud or discuss details about their history, making it an incredibly beneficial form of treatment for those with trauma or PTSD.

What happens during an EMDR Session?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has been used effectively to help individuals deal with a wide range of mental health issues, many of which are associated with trauma. This form of therapy involves activating both sides of the brain by having the patient follow a set of bilateral sensory input (such as eye movement or hand taps). Numerous success stories have been shared by those who have undertaken this therapy; from successfully eliminating phobias and PTSD symptoms to being able to reconnect with old memories, there is no denying that EMDR is effective in breaking through barriers that stand in the way of positive change. With licensed clinicians offering this option in their practices, it can be an invaluable tool for those struggling with difficult emotional obstacles.

What are the tangible benefits of EMDR Therapy?

• Reduced symptoms of trauma: EMDR therapy has been shown to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and images, hyperarousal, difficulty sleeping, anxiousness and fear.
• Improved self-esteem: EMDR therapy helps individuals to develop a stronger sense of self by exploring difficult experiences and recognizing potential to make changes and improve.
• More adaptive beliefs: EMDR therapy helps clients to develop more adaptive ways of thinking that can reduce anxiety, improve self-confidence and foster a greater sense of personal empowerment.
• Improved relationships: Being able to better understand and process traumatic experiences can result in improved communication and coping within relationships.
• Diminished negative moods: Many people experience a reduction of negative moods and emotions such as guilt, shame and poor self-image. With EMDR, these can be resolved and replaced with positive emotions.

The best way to determine whether EMDR therapy is right for you is to speak with a qualified EMDR therapist and discuss your goals for treatment. During these conversations, you can talk about your past experiences, current levels of distress, and any other concerns you may have regarding EMDR therapy. Your therapist can then offer an assessment to determine if EMDR is a suitable course of action. We offer EMDR Therapy to help you find freedom from the emotional distress that may have resulted from a traumatic experience.