4 Things to Know About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy in Orlando is an evidence-based treatment model to provide trauma-informed care to clients who have gone through distressing situations. This therapy model can help people process trauma in a contained, safe environment to get past the experiences and the raw emotions connected to them. Here is some excellent information about EMDR to consider:
What is EMDR?
During EMDR, a trained therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements designed to engage systems of your brain that process information, similar to when you reach REM sleep and your eyes move back and forth. You will use your eyes to follow a stimulus while your therapist guides you through traumatic memories. Sometimes the stimulus is a handheld device or flashing light that is specifically designed for this therapy, though there are numerous ways to engage your brain in this activity. Think of it as a way for your therapist to hack the functionality of your brain to show you that traumatic events are no longer harmful and help you stop responding to them negatively.
EMDR therapy does not require clients to replay every detail of a traumatic experience out loud. Instead, most of the processing happens in the unconscious mind, making it great therapy for keeping patients more comfortable. EMDR is a standard offering of certified therapy providers for this and many other reasons.
What can EMDR treat?
There are many mental health conditions that EMDR can treat. Initially, it was designed to treat PTSD symptoms, but now it is commonly used to treat patients with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, etc.
EMDR therapy helps patients feel less stuck, so it can also benefit people feeling stuck in their sport, relationships, or career. It is also helpful for people feeling stuck in emotional cycles or negative thought patterns. EMDR's use is far-reaching, making it a versatile therapy option for many different people and problems.
Who are good candidates for EMDR?
People from any background or identity can be good candidates for EMDR. It can treat people of all ages and genders, though it is most commonly used in adults. It is critical for clients to have a sense of security and safety in their lives before engaging in EMDR.
The strongest candidates for EMDR are people with traumatic medical experiences, people struggling with grief, natural disaster victims, assault survivors, veterans, and many more. In addition, anyone with a goal to move beyond a harrowing experience in the past is a great candidate for EMDR.
Can EMDR make things worse?
Many people wonder whether EMDR can make them feel worse. They think it may be more traumatic to relive traumatic memories and that they may be best left alone. When you do not address painful memories, you cannot process or move past them. As difficult as it may be to address those memories, it is more painful to let them fester within your mind and body. You will have a trained professional to help you cope with any feelings arising through EMDR therapy. Their support includes discussing your emotions, validating them, and reminding you of your strength and resilience. Even when painful memories are uncomfortable in the moment, your provider supports you in using EMDR to make those memories lose their power over you in the future and allow you to lead a more productive and comfortable life.
EMDR therapy in Orlando is effective for helping patients overcome the impact of trauma on their lives. Contact us today for more information and get started toward a better way of life!
