EMDR Therapy as An Effective Solution for Treating Sexual Trauma
Sexual trauma is a highly sensitive and pervasive issue that can adversely affect a person’s life. Survivors of sexual abuse may experience feelings of shame, fear, guilt, and anxiety that can lead to significant mental health concerns. While different forms of therapy have been conventionally used to treat trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a highly effective technique in treating trauma-related disorders. In this blog, we’ll discuss EMDR therapy and how it can benefit individuals suffering from sexual trauma. If you or anyone you know is looking for EMDR therapy in Orlando, FL, contact Orlando Thrive Therapy today to learn more.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a psychological therapy technique that involves the use of eye movements and other forms of bi-lateral stimulation to mitigate the negative emotions associated with traumatic events. This form of therapy has shown significant benefits for individuals struggling with symptoms of trauma. EMDR therapy's primary goal is to assist individuals in reaching a place of psychological health and healing. This therapeutic technique doesn't just focus on desensitizing people to traumatic events, but it assists with the brain's overall processing of the trauma. Following a thorough assessment and diagnosis, EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy approach that utilizes 8 different phases to provide optimal results.
How does EMDR Therapy benefit Sexual Trauma Survivors?
Sexual trauma has far-reaching effects that can compromise an individual’s quality of life. EMDR therapy can help people recover from sexual trauma by addressing the negative feelings and sensations associated with the traumatic event. EMDR therapy's structure includes addressing the root cause of symptoms such as recurring nightmares, negative self-talk, and unwarranted anxiety. Through EMDR therapy, the patient will participate in various bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements, tapping, or tones to help facilitate healing and reprocessing. This therapy helps to minimize the emotional and physiological reaction to the trauma, which can help survivors re-gain control over their body and mind.
What Should You Expect During EMDR Therapy?
As previously mentioned, EMDR involves 8 different phases. The standard procedures for each of the phases will provide order and direction in therapy. First, a therapist will assess the individual's trauma symptoms, personal history, and any comorbid disorders. Once assessed and diagnosed, EMDR therapy is then divided into eight phases that range from building the patient’s resources, identifying negative beliefs, desensitization of presenting symptoms, to comprehensive closure. EMDR therapy is tailored to the individual in that they will work with their therapist to identify which aspects of their trauma they feel are pressing and timely for address and processing.
What is the Success Rate of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy has shown to be highly effective in treating trauma symptoms. EMDR therapy has provided satisfactory results in the treatment of different traumas, including sexual trauma. Reports indicate significant improvements in symptoms such as nightmares, mood disturbances, and anxiety levels. While recovery times will differ from individual to individual, many people have experienced positive outcomes after just a few sessions. EMDR therapy emphasizes the processing of trauma through interpretation, cognitive reframing, relaxation, and utilizing bi-lateral stimulation techniques to assist with healthy reprocessing.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy is an effective approach to resolving sexual trauma-related issues. The goal of EMDR therapy is to provide a safe, systematic, effective, and efficient method for patients to work through their traumatic pasts. It gives hope and freedom of the mind to those seeking long-lasting healing after experiencing sexual trauma. If you or someone you know needs help coping with sexual trauma, contact Orlando Thrive Therapy to avail of highly skilled and professional EMDR therapy in Orlando, Florida.
