EMDR Therapy: A Powerful Approach to Healing Trauma
We hear the word trauma a lot. And what makes trauma, traumatic? Afterfall, experiencing negative events is just part of being human. Trauma simply means the lasting emotional impact left on an individual from negative events that keep the individual from functioning optimally.
Oftentimes, trauma happens and we recover from it. We can overcome it by taking good care of ourselves, by talking it over with friends, or through the passage of time, it fades. However, it doesn’t always fade. And sometimes, talking about feels like reliving it all over again and making it worse. It can develop into anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, avoiding certain places or things, and ruin a person’s quality of life and relationships.
Where pure talk therapy is not effective, trauma therapies such as EMDR can help. Research has shown Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR, as a transformative and effective method for healing various forms of psychological distress, particularly trauma.
Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained worldwide recognition and acceptance among mental health professionals as an evidence-based therapeutic approach.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands out as a unique form of psychotherapy that can alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR follows a set of protocols that incorporates elements of cognitive/talk therapy, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or taps), and mindfulness techniques to help individuals process distressing memories and adverse life experiences.
EMDR will not cause a person to forget distressing memories. After processing, the memories will feel like it happened long ago, and will not feel as distressing, vivid, and intense. And the individual would find that they can put the past behind them and move forward.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR has been widely recognized as an effective treatment for various psychological distress, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is a recommended treatment for PTSD by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
Anxiety Disorders: It can be helpful in treating panic attacks, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Depression: EMDR has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of depression, particularly when linked to traumatic experiences.
Other Trauma-Related Conditions: Individuals dealing with adverse childhood experiences, grief, and disturbing memories can also benefit from EMDR.
Overcoming Trauma is Possible
Overcoming trauma can help you reclaim your mental well-being, heal relationships with yourself and others, and move forward in life with resilience and strength.
While EMDR stands as a powerful and innovative approach to healing trauma and distressing memories, EMDR might not be suitable for everyone. I am a qualified therapist and EMDR trained. I can guide you through the healing process so that you can live life to the fullest, and be the best version of yourself that you want to be.
