As EMDR therapy grows in popularity, it’s not uncommon to hear more about it. Maybe someone suggested it to you. Maybe you’ve done your own research. If you’re struggling with a past traumatic experience, EMDR may help.
But it’s important to make sure that it’s the right option for you.
There are many types of trauma therapy out there and choosing the “right” one for your needs is crucial.
So, knowing precisely what EMDR is, any risks involved, and how to know if you’re ready for it will make a big difference. Let’s look at those ideas. Doing so will help you understand if EMDR is the best treatment option for your trauma or PTSD symptoms.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s becoming one of the most popular trauma treatments across the globe, thanks to its effectiveness.
Not only can it help you deal with symptoms of anxiety or depression that often come with trauma, but it is designed to help you get to the root of that traumatic experience, as well.
How Does it Work?
Many treatments for trauma involve a combination of therapy and medications. EMDR takes a different approach.
During a typical session, you will be asked to relive traumatic experiences in your life, or things that trigger them. It will only be for a short period of time and in a controlled setting. During this time, a therapist directs the movements of your eyes in a rhythmic pattern.
The rapid eye movements help to dampen the severe impact of the traumatic event. The technique gives less power to the trauma and allows you to take control over your own thoughts.
One reason EMDR has become so popular is that it speeds up the healing process for some people. But that depends on the type of trauma you’re dealing with and whether you’ve sought treatment before. It is, by no means, a “quick fix”. In fact, there are eight different phases of the EMDR process each patient has to go through. They are:
- Talking about your history
- Preparing your mind to work through painful past experiences
- Determining what those experiences will be
- Working through those painful memories
- Implementing positive beliefs
- Dealing with physical symptoms
- Closing the chapter on those negative memories
- Reevaluating after each session
As you might expect, it can be an intense process, but that’s exactly why it is so effective in helping you work through some of the hardest experiences of your life.
Should You Consider EMDR?
Still not sure if EMDR is right for you?
The biggest issue to keep in mind is whether you’re actually ready for it or not. If you tend to shut down your emotions and try to hide them away, you might need some more time or a different type of therapy to get started. EMDR requires you to bring your emotions and memories forward. It’s necessary in order for you to process your feelings and thoughts. If you can’t do that yet, it’s better to hold off on this treatment.
That doesn’t mean you’ll never be a ‘candidate’ for it. It just may take more time.
But, if you’re ready and willing to bring forth your emotions and memories, EMDR can help you work through them effectively so you can take control of your life once again.
If you’re interested in EMDR or looking for more information, feel free to contact me. We can further discuss whether this is the best treatment option for you, and how to get started.
