Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the most effective ways of managing and treating the effects of PTSD.
Unlike many traditional forms of talk therapy, EMDR focuses on helping you process traumatic memories in a safe, neutral space. Once you’re able to process them effectively, you’ll work on reframing those memories and experiences.
That doesn’t mean they disappear from your mind. However, they won’t seem as overwhelming, scary, or traumatic.
If you’ve been struggling with PTSD and want to learn more about EMDR, keep reading to learn more about how it can help.
What to Expect From EMDR
EMDR is a 1-3 month process designed to make it easier to process your trauma. Throughout those sessions, your therapist will first learn a bit more about your history and the trauma you’ve been through.
From there, you’ll focus on the target memory/memories. That includes focusing on any negative or upsetting thoughts associated with that memory. As you hold on to the thoughts, feelings, and sensations associated with it, your therapist will move their finger or a flashlight back and forth while you follow it with your eyes.
This process is called desensitizing. As you focus on the negative or painful memory, the rapid eye movements cause it to become less distressing and overwhelming.
This movement will only last about 30 seconds at a time, and you’ll discuss with your therapist what you experienced.
As the sessions continue, you’ll eventually be able to reprocess the way you see and experience those distressing memories. Again, they’ll still be there, but they won’t have as much power over your mind, and won’t cause as much uncertainty and fear.
Why EDRM Is So Effective
One of the biggest reasons why EMDR works so well for PTSD is that it helps to put you in control. So many traumatizing events cause people to feel like they have absolutely zero control. That kind of uncertainty is what makes them so scary. When you’re able to remember or visualize that event with a different frame of mind, you’ll realize that you finally have power over it, so it becomes less overwhelming.
Most of the time, you won’t even need to talk about the details of your trauma. While your therapist might want a basic history so they know what to focus on, you only need to think about the trauma, not talk about it for hours. That can be a huge bonus for people who struggle to open up about what they’ve experienced.
Is EMDR the Right Solution for You?
Is EMDR the Right Solution for You? If you’ve been through a traumatic situation and you’re dealing with PTSD, consider EMDR to help you move forward.
There’s nothing wrong with more traditional forms of talk therapy. However, if you struggle to relive your traumatic experience with others, EMDR can be a fantastic option. It allows you to focus on what happened without having to share too much.
EMDR can take some getting used to since it’s unlike many other types of therapies. However, if you go into it with an open mind and you’re willing to trust the actions and directions of your therapist, it can work very quickly. You can even start to see results after just a few sessions.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR Therapy or how it can help with your PTSD, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to provide more information or set up an appointment for you. PTSD can threaten to take over nearly every aspect of your life. You can take it back with this therapy, and learn how to stop living with the painful, fearful memories of the past for good.