How EMDR Therapy Helps In Trauma Recovery
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that treats mental health conditions caused by memories of traumatic events in the past. It is well-known for its role in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, and its applications are continually expanding. If you have been curious about EMDR basic training to help people who are recovering from trauma, read on for understanding how it can help.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a type of interactive psychotherapy used to treat psychological stress. The approach is based on the idea that painful and traumatic memories can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder if they aren't fully processed. Then, when certain sights, sounds, words, or smells elicit those unprocessed memories, you relive them. This reliving causes emotional distress and other symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR aims to alleviate trauma symptoms by altering how memories are stored in the brain. In essence, an EMDR therapist achieves this by guiding you through a series of bilateral (side-to-side) eye movements as you gradually recall distressing or triggering events.
Who is EMDR Helpful For?
EMDR has a wide range of applications and can be administered with equal effectiveness with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. Aside from post-traumatic stress disorders, EMDR can help with a variety of issues.
This therapy can help people who are experiencing extreme grief as a result of a personal loss or the death of a loved one, as well as frontline workers who have been traumatized in some way. Survivors of child sex abuse, rape victims, arson survivors, accident victims, and people who have gone through difficult divorces and separation periods can all benefit. When used correctly, EMDR can aid in the treatment of addictions, panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, stress, eating disorders, nervous attacks, and even schizophrenia.
EMDR for Trauma Treatment
EMDR therapy employs an eight-phase approach that includes:
Phase 1: History-taking
Phase 2: Preparing the client
Phase 3: Assessing the target memory
Phases 4-7: Processing the memory to adaptive resolution
Phase 8: Evaluating treatment results
A particular memory is typically processed in one to three sessions. EMDR therapy is distinct from other trauma-focused treatments in that it does not include prolonged exposure to the distressing memory, detailed descriptions of the trauma, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, or homework assignments.
The person receiving treatment concentrates on a troubling memory and recognises the belief they have about themselves during EMDR. If it is associated with a negative memory, the technique teaches the individual to change their perception of themselves by learning to associate it with a positive belief instead.
Individuals process the memory safely during EMDR, which leads to a peaceful resolution. The experience leads to greater understanding of previously disturbing events as well as negative thoughts about oneself that arose as a result of the original traumatic event.
If you wish to know more about EMDR or undertake approved EMDR training, visit our website.