What are the Benefits and What Should You Expect From EMDR Treatment?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. Let’s review the fundamentals of EMDR treatment.
The Fundamentals of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that when a person experiences a traumatic event, the memory of that event can become stuck in the brain, causing emotional distress and other psychological symptoms. The goal of EMDR is to help the brain process these traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and allowing the individual to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
During EMDR therapy, the patient is asked to focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This dual attention is believed to facilitate the processing of the traumatic memory, helping the brain to integrate the experience and reduce its emotional charge.
The Eight Phases
EMDR therapy consists of eight distinct phases:
- History-taking and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Re-evaluation
Each phase is important to the overall treatment process, allowing the therapist to gather information, prepare the patient, and guide them through the memory processing and integration.
Finding the Right EMDR Therapist: What to Look For
When seeking an EMDR therapist, it is essential to find a qualified and experienced practitioner. Look for a therapist who has completed an EMDRIA-approved training program and has experience treating patients with your specific concerns. Additionally, it is crucial to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe, as the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the success of EMDR treatment.
When EMDR Therapy is the Right Choice
EMDR therapy has been proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Substance abuse and addiction
If you are struggling with any of these issues and have found that traditional talk therapy has not been sufficient, EMDR may be a viable treatment option for you.
Contact Empower Professional Counseling Services for EMDR Treatment
At Empower Professional Counseling Services, our qualified EMDR therapists are dedicated to helping individuals overcome the impact of trauma and other mental health challenges. If you are interested in exploring EMDR treatment, please contact us to schedule a consultation.