It can take years to heal the mind and body of severe emotional pain, but with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, both can be addressed simultaneously. Learn more about how EMDR works and how it can benefit you with The Sanctuary.
EMDR is usually an eight-step psychotherapy that uses special techniques to reverse negative, traumatic experiences. When someone experiences something traumatic, it can be challenging for the brain to process new information. In a way, the individual is stuck in the event, and anything related to it — a smell, sound or sight — can trigger a fight or flight response.
In EMDR therapy, a licensed practitioner targets trauma-related symptoms and works to reverse the underlying beliefs, feelings and memories. Instead, these negative feelings are replaced with positive ideas appropriate to the situation.
For example, an individual who went through war may constantly feel like they are in danger if they hear any sound resembling a gunshot. EMDR therapy can help the person realize they are no longer in danger and replace this emotion with feelings of safety.
EMDR can treat several conditions, but among the most popular is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People living with PTSD often repress memories and have difficulty processing what happened to them. EMDR addresses the event while providing a controlled environment to heal.
Specifically, EMDR will call the traumatic event back to a person’s memory with back-and-forth movement or sound. By the end, the client will learn some new coping skills along with emotional reframing.
However, EMDR is not exclusive to PTSD. It can also treat phobias, eating disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, addiction and more.
Those who undergo EMDR therapy often see a significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms. In general, EMDR helps individuals become aware of beliefs and stress responses contributing to their condition and learn techniques to calm themselves in triggering situations.
If you think you could be a candidate for EMDR, you can benefit from the following:
For more information on our EMDR program, contact us today. We are looking forward to helping you regain your quality of life.
