EMDR therapy stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. This therapy is structured to encourage patients to briefly focus on traumatic memories while eye movement stimulation is experienced simultaneously. EMDR therapy reduces the emotion and vividness associated with memories of traumatic events.
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder patients. This therapy is characterized by 6 to 12 sessions occurring once or twice weekly. However, some people find relief from fewer sessions, and sessions can be performed on consecutive days if scheduling allows it.
Traumatic events or memories that are not adequately processed can continually cause distress and symptoms related to PTSD and other significant mental illnesses. In addition, the symptoms of PTSD and other mental illnesses are often exacerbated by unprocessed memories containing physical sensations, beliefs, thoughts, and emotions present during the trauma experienced.
EMDR is different from many other treatments that focus on changing the thoughts, responses, and emotions from exposure to traumatic situations. Instead, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy concentrates directly on the memory of trauma. It is designed to reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with trauma exposure by changing how the patient's brain stores the traumatic memory.
It is believed that the brain is stimulated into a process of accelerated learning through the use of bilateral stimulations like eye movements. The high level of emotion and vividness of traumatic experience is reduced when patients focus briefly on the memory of the trauma and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulations. Under certain conditions, EMDR is used to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
EMDR is a well-structured process that involves 8 phases.
EMDR is often an effective treatment for people who are suffering from PTSD.
Contact us today for more information on EMDR therapy in Orlando. We are here to help you process trauma in a healthy and effective way so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Heather Oller is a licensed Orlando therapist at Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching & Counseling who specializes in counseling Orlando couples, individuals, and families who are seeking changes in their lives. She has been a mental health professional for over 17 years and is a practicing Orlando counselor that specializes in conflict resolution for couples. You can contact her for an appointment or call 407-592-8997 for more information.