The things we experience and hold as memories can shape our lives, good or bad. So, people who have lived through traumatic events find that these negative experiences shape their mental health. EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is a type of therapy that can assist people who have experienced trauma process their memories and overcome the symptoms of trauma. But, what’s EMDR therapy exactly and how can you know if it’s something you should consider?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) can help to reduce the stress that is developed as a result of traumatic experiences. Essentially, it works by exploring the triggers of traumatic responses and using these while also engaging in outward catalysts like music, tapping, and movements of the eyes. Basically, EMDR is based on a foundation belief that typically when trauma occurs, a person’s mental health is slowly healed over time. But, people living with PTSD and other issues developed from trauma may not have this natural healing response. Rather, their mind stops them from remembering the traumatic experience but this leads to still experiencing the negative emotional and mental responses to trauma longer and more severely.
Basically, EMDR works by revisiting traumatic experiences and reducing the emotional effects of this trauma by practicing and learning new methods. And, diminish the psychological effects of trauma so that mental well-being can be established.
EMDR therapy isn’t just a one-and-done deal. There is a process that takes place in stages. The stages of EMDR therapy include:
Assessment: Before EMDR therapy sessions can take place, your mental health provider will first do an assessment. They will ask you about your mental and physical health history to ensure that you’re a good candidate for EMDR. And, develop a plan for treatment including how many sessions you can expect.
Develop Coping Skills: Another thing that needs to occur before EMDR sessions can start is the development of various coping skills. During EMDR sessions, patients may remember traumatic experiences, so they need to be equipped with coping skills that can help to manage any negative emotions that may come about during this process.
EMDR Sessions: After the assessment occurs and patients are equipped with coping skills, ENDR sessions can take place. During sessions, patients will be asked to remember and describe traumatic events. Then, they will describe negative thoughts and feelings they have about this event. Finally, EMDR methods are utilized until the patient experiences positive thoughts and feelings while describing traumatic events.
Conclusion: The conclusion of EDMR sessions is to re-recognize trauma triggers and identify any coping strategies that are helpful to a patient to be used outside of therapy sessions.
Review: Finally, once a treatment plan is concluded, the patient will meet with their team of mental health specialists to review progress and determine if any further sessions are needed.
If you’re dealing with the negative impacts of trauma, EMDR therapy may be right for you. Delray Center for Healing offers treatment therapy programs that include therapy approaches including EMDR. Find out more about our trauma treatment services and EMDR therapy sessions today on our website.
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.