Trauma and EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

TRAUMA THERAPY AND EMDR

What are some of the issues? 

A number of health conditions can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Post traumatic stress can encompasses a range of distressing symptoms, including re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of the event, feeling constantly on edge, and experiencing negative changes in mood and thoughts. These symptoms can be severe and persistent, affecting a person’s ability to function in daily life and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can also be mild, but accumulate and create dysfunction over time. Post traumatic stress can develop after various traumatic experiences, such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, physical assault, sexual assault, distressing experiences from childhood, inherited or generational trauma.

How therapy Can help ... 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to help individuals with PTSD. Here's how EMDR can help:

Memory Reprocessing: EMDR aims to help reprocess traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as rapid eye movements or other forms of sensory input. This process allows the brain to reorganize and integrate the memory in a less distressing way, reducing the emotional charge associated with the trauma.

Desensitization: By repeatedly focusing on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps individuals become less reactive to the distressing elements of the memory. This can lead to a reduction in the intensity of emotional and physiological responses triggered by reminders of the trauma.

Cognitive Shift: EMDR encourages the individual to develop new and more adaptive beliefs about themselves and the traumatic event. This cognitive shift can lead to a change in how the person perceives and responds to the trauma, ultimately reducing the impact of PTSD symptoms.

Aid in Processing Emotions: EMDR can help individuals process and release the trapped emotions associated with the trauma, allowing them to experience a sense of emotional relief and resolution.

Enhanced Coping Skills: Through the EMDR process, individuals often acquire improved coping skills and a greater sense of mastery over their emotions and reactions. This can help them manage distressing situations more effectively in the future.

Reduced Avoidance: EMDR can help individuals confront and process traumatic memories, leading to a decrease in avoidance behaviors and an increased ability to tolerate triggers.

Positive Self-Perception: EMDR often incorporates a focus on positive self-beliefs and strengths, helping individuals build a more positive and resilient self-identity in the aftermath of trauma.

Next Steps ... 

Beginning EMDR therapy involves several steps to ensure a safe and structured process. Here are the first steps:

      1.    Assessment and Preparation: We conduct an initial assessment to gather information about your trauma history, current symptoms, and readiness for EMDR. Then I will explain the EMDR process, what to expect, and address any questions or concerns.

      2.    Building Trust and Coping Skills: Before delving into trauma processing, we develop and establish coping skills for you to manage distress and anxiety. These skills provide a foundation for handling intense emotions that may arise during trauma focused sessions. 

If you are interested in learning more about the next steps of trauma therapy and EMDR, reach out for a consultation and scheduling or schedule online now …

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