Just recently we started to offer EMDR at my clinic to help with anxiety and trauma. Many clients have asked me what EMDR is and how it can help. The following is an explaination of EMDR, the history and how it can help:
What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a powerful new psychotherapy technique which has been very successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress and many other emotional problems. Until recently, these conditions were difficult and time-consuming to treat. EMDR is considered a breakthrough therapy because of its simplicity and the fact that it can bring quick and lasting relief for most types of emotional distress.
EMDR is the most effective and rapid method for healing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as shown by extensive scientific research studies.
The EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which repeatly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are "trapped" in the nervous system. This assists the neurophysiological system, the basis of the mind/body connection, to free itself of blockages and reconnect itself.
As troubling images and feelings are processed by the brain via the eye-movement patterns of EMDR, resolution of the issues and a more peaceful state are achieved.
How Does It Work?
The therapist works gently with the client and asks him/her to revisit the traumatic moment or incident, recalling feelings surrounding the experience, as well as any negative thoughts, feelings and memories. The therapist then holds her fingers about eighteen inches from the clients face and begins to move them back and forth like a windshield wiper. The client tracks the movements as if watching ping pong. The more intensely the client focuses on the memory, the easier it becomes for the memory to come to life. As quick and vibrant images arise during the therapy session, they are processed by the eye movements, resulting in painful feelings being exchanged for more peaceful, loving and resolved feelings.
What problems are helped by EMDR?
The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:
loss of a loved one
injury of a loved one
car accident
fire
work accident
assault
robbery
rape
natural disaster
injury
illness
witness to violence
childhood abuse
victims of violent crimes
performance and test anxiety
trauma depression
anxiety or panic
phobias
fears
childhood trauma
physical abuse
sexual abuse
post traumatic stress
bad temper
overwhelming fears
panic attacks
low self-esteem
relationship problems
brooding or worrying
trouble sleeping
The EMDR technique is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders.
EMDR therapy can help clients replace their anxiety and fear with positive images, emotions and thoughts.
What are the Symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?
High anxiety and lack of motivation
Depression
Memories of a traumatic experience
Fear of being alone
Unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame
Fear of being alone
Difficulty in trusting others
Relationship problems
What is the History of EMDR?
Since the initial medical study in 1989 positive therapeutic results with EMDR have been reported with the following populations:
People who have witnessed or been a victim to a disaster (rape, accidents, earth quakes, fires, murder, gang related violence)
Clients suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
Suffers of panic disorders and anxiety attacks
Suffers of phobias
Chemically dependent clients
Persons exposed to excess loss ( loss by death, divorce, loss of a house by fire)
Crime victims and police officers who were once overcome with violent memories
Accident or burn victims
Although a fairly new therapeutic technique, EMDR is meeting with much success all across the county. EMDR is a natural process. The client and the therapist become partners on a journey to help move traumatic and blocked energy. Together they work to transcend and free up the energy, so the client can return to their natural grounded state of being. The goal of this work is to help the client heal, so they can return to their life in peace.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
There are a number factors to consider when evaluating the appropriateness of EMDR therapy for a client's particular situation and history. During your initial consultation with a trained EMDR therapist, all the relevant factors will be discussed in full to help you both come to a decision to move forward with EMDR.
6 comments:
I'm feeling a little freaked out about this process. Just saying.
Great comments Mary. Yes, the flashbacks do come. This is part of the EMDR Process. I like that you advised to write the flashbacks down. Any aspect of therapy can be emotionally overwhelming, journaling can be an effective way to process through the intense emotions when you are not in the therapy session.
I started using EMDR thru AAIM after I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress. My abusive memories had become stuck. It is truly only thru EMDR and therapy that I can talk about it today. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. I pray that it will also be the most rewarding. Journaling has been very beneficial. Another suggestion that I have, is that you really should have someone with you after your first couple of sessions. Often after my sessions it is difficult to stop the flashbacks and processing for a couple of days. My husband drives me and often times there are no words the entire trip home. It allows me time to cry and feel.
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