Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an interactive form of psychotherapy that uses a patient’s rapid eye movements (REM)to lessen the effect of past traumatic events. EMDR is especially effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR therapy is a unique treatment in that it allows patients to start to process negative feelings and traumatic experiences that they may have difficulty talking about. Typically, after several sessions of EMDR therapy, many can begin talking about past trauma without stress, a major breakthrough for PTSD patients.
In addition to treating PTSD, EMDR therapy has been used used help individuals dealing with:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Panic attacks
Self-esteem
Addictions
Eating disorders
Obesity
Sleep problems
Grief
Pain relief
How Does EMDR Work?
Stressful and traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s ability to process and heal which leave fragments of unresolved thoughts, feelings and sensations stuck in the body and brain. With EMDR therapy, a client will focus on a traumatic memory as the therapist uses bilateral stimulation accessing eye movements to prompt the brain’s natural way of integrating information. As this process gets repeated, the client gains insight and new responses to the negative memory, causing the event to feel less traumatic. The goal of EMDR therapy is to turn negative beliefs and feelings into positive ones. EMDR helps you put pain and trauma behind you.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has a host of benefits, including but not limited to:
Reducing Panic Attacks and Other Stress-Related Disorders
EMDR can help treat a wide range of physical symptoms that are caused by traumatic memories and experiences. Many stress-induced disorders and symptoms are tied to negative past experiences. EMDR patients can deal with panic attacks, chronic pain, muscle tension, insomnia, and headaches because of how chronic stress and traumatic experiences affect their bodies.
Improving Self-Esteem and Confidence
EMDR targets distressing memories and thoughts associated with yourself. You might not even realize you have these negative, limiting thoughts until you begin the therapy. By identifying them, you learn how to heal from them.
As the saying goes, you are your own toughest critic. As humans, we tend to focus on our perceived missteps and mistakes. The negative voice inside your head can compromise your self-confidence. EMDR can help you identify and change the negative thoughts filling your head. It will allow you to see the origins of this negative, distorted thinking. You’ll also learn how to reframe negative associations into positive ones.
Allowing for Better Sleep
PTSD sufferers often have sleep issues, including night terrors, insomnia, and not being able to sleep through the night. Some PTSD patients have frequent nightmares and/or flashbacks, where they relive the events that caused their trauma. This can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. EMDR helps you process distressing memories, which can alleviate nightmares and the fear of going to sleep.
Contact Ellen Pace Therapy
Studies have indicated that EMDR therapy alleviates symptoms, triggers, distress, and can result in improved self-confidence. At Ellen Pace Therapy, I facilitate EMDR sessions, both in-office and on horseback. To learn more about how EMDR therapy and Ellen Pace can help you or your loved ones, call (512) 766-9873 today.