EMDR and How It Makes Positive Changes in the Brain
Over the past few decades, EMDR therapy has become a popular method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD.) While it was originally founded to help those who went through a traumatic experience, it is now used to help treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Maybe you have heard of EMDR, but you aren't sure if it would benefit you. To help guide you in this decision, here are some benefits EMDR therapy can have.
Positive Impact of EMDR Therapy
This approach to therapy uses the client's rhythmic and rapid eye movements. With the help of a therapist, these eye movements can help decrease the impact of intense memories of traumatic events. In this type of therapy, you focus on moving your eyes in a certain way.
If you aren't comfortable talking about the traumatic experience, EMDR could be a great fit. While you will need to discuss some aspects of the painful memory, you do not need to go into great detail. EMDR helps clients focus on changing their emotions, thoughts, or behaviors regarding the traumatic experience. Additionally, it helps reprocess the memory itself so that it eventually does not impact someone as much.
Treats a Variety of Conditions
EMDR can help with the conditions and problems listed below:
Obsessive-compulsive disorders: generalized OCD, hoarding disorders, or body dysmorphia
Trauma disorders, including PTSD adjustment disorder
Anxiety disorders: anxiety, phobias, social, anxiety, or panic disorder
Dissociative disorders: dissociative identity disorder or amnesia
Eating disorders: bulimia, binge eating or anorexia
Depression disorders: major, persistent, and/or illness-related depression
How EMDR therapy works
EMDR therapy is an ongoing treatment process. It’s important to note that all steps won’t be accomplished in one session. There’s also no set amount of time that each stage takes. This process is meant to be customized and unique to everyone. The eight phases include:
Gathering patient history and other relevant information
This will be key to your healthcare provider determining if EMDR is likely to help you. It also involves discussing the events you want to focus on with therapy. When reviewing your history and information, being open and honest is important. Consider writing down emotions, signs, and symptoms before the appointment to avoid missing anything or feeling frustrated when talking to the therapist.
Education and preparation
In this step, your healthcare provider or therapist will help explain EMDR sessions and what you can anticipate within them.
Patient assessment
Your healthcare provider helps you determine what themes in memories you want to work on during EMDR.
Re-processing and desensitization
This is when your therapist activates the memory you’re focusing on. You identify one or more specific negative thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or even images. During this stage, the therapist helps you realize how you’re feeling. This can also include new thoughts or opinions about what you’re currently experiencing.
Installation
In this phase, you’re focused on being positive about the belief you’re trying to build while processing the memory.
Body scan
Here, you’ll focus on how you feel in your body. This will mainly be any symptoms you might feel as you think about the negative memory.
Closure and stabilization
In this step, you’ll talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect between sessions. The therapist will also discuss how to handle and process negative thoughts between sessions.
Reevaluation and continuing care
During this step, you’ll talk to your therapist about your progress and how you’re currently feeling. This is when you’ll determine if you need additional sessions. They will help you explore feelings you may have in the future and figure out how you would like to handle things when they occur.
EMDR therapy can be a great tool for anyone suffering from PTSD or other significant trauma. Please reach out today if you or someone you know is interested in EMDR therapy and getting the process started.