Do you struggle with a sense of being stuck rather than moving towards a life goal? For instance, despite working hard for a secure relationship, a better job, or peace of mind… you may seem to go nowhere. Perhaps, deep down, you feel you are not worthy, good enough, or capable of a better life.
Did you know that such self-limiting beliefs and behaviors may be after-effects of past trauma?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic treatment to heal deep trauma. EMDR is a type of interactive psychotherapy treatment developed to provide relief from psychological stresses associated with traumatic events.
The repercussions of past and childhood trauma can ripple into adulthood. Mental and physical health can suffer due to unresolved feelings and memories associated with trauma.
If you’re still living with painful past trauma, EMDR can help you detach from the painful memories.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a therapeutic approach that addresses past traumatic experiences, such as bullying or physical abuse, which are having an effect on your current thoughts, emotions, and feelings. EMDR uses eye movements, pulsations, or sounds to stimulate your brain. By using these sensory experiences and focusing on a traumatic memory or event, it is possible to create changes in the brain that help you overcome symptoms of anger, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
According to a review of 26 clinical trials, EMDR therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and distress in individuals with PTSD. The use of EMDR therapy in children with PTSD has been shown to be effective as well.
Basically, EMDR sessions with a professional therapist can take traumatic and disturbing repetitive memories, and make them plain old memories.
EMDR Therapy for Past Trauma – How Does it Work?
EMDR therapy for trauma entails recalling a stressful past event, such as physical abuse, and “reprogramming” the memories in the light of new, positive beliefs, using rapid eye movements and pulsations to facilitate the process. Many experts attribute the success of EMDR to principles similar to prolonged exposure therapy.
At the time of a distressing and traumatic event, the powerful emotions you experience, such as shock, can interfere with your ability to fully process the event. Note that this one unpleasant and disturbing moment becomes “frozen in time.” During EMDR treatment, you will be asked to think or discuss memories, painful emotions, and triggers related to your past trauma.
EMDR therapy works by affecting the brain in certain ways and “unfreezing” the traumatic memories, so you can resolve them. With time, you will be able to work through and process the disturbing memories and associated feelings, such as sadness and anger, until you’re able to think about the traumatic event without reliving it.
EMDR therapy requires multiple visits that systematically cover eight different phases of treatment. In many cases, it takes at least 12 sessions to see the full effects of EMDR and its benefits. Under a therapist’s guidance, you will learn to re-process a stressful or troubling experience.
Eventually, you will start to bypass the fear and anxiety you once linked to the memory. Eye movements and alternating tapping will help you work through your painful and distressing memories.
Is EMDR Suitable for You?
If you are struggling with unresolved past trauma and have tried other solutions with limited or no success, EMDR may be an effective alternative. Our certified and trained EMDR therapists will help you process difficult memories so that you can start living your life sooner.
Our EMDR experts and counselors can help treat unresolved trauma so you can live a more productive life. You can call or text us today (720) 515-3551 to schedule a free consultation call.