Exploring The Benefits Of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy may not be something you are familiar with, but if you struggle with past trauma, it may be incredibly helpful. While EMDR only emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it has helped many patients process trauma. Here's a closer look at this unique type of therapy and how it could be beneficial in your healing process.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat a wide range of psychological issues, particularly trauma-based ones. The National Institutes of Health state that EMDR therapy can "be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy."

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy works by synchronizing eye movements with alternating tones or taps on either side of the body. While this may sound unusual, it actually helps move troubling memories from short-term to long-term memory storage where they can be better processed, making the traumatic memories less overwhelming and no longer threatening. The result is a decrease in symptoms related to the trauma.

Who Can EMDR Help?

Anyone can benefit from EMDR therapy. However, it is especially helpful for those who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters, and who are also suffering from either post-traumatic stress disorder, better known as PTSD, or complex PTSD, which is a term reserved for victims of long-term childhood trauma.

What Are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

The benefits of EMDR therapy can be profound for those who suffer from trauma or chronic stress and include the following:

• Helps to reduce distress levels associated with traumatic memories
• Allows patients to live in the present moment rather than being stuck in the past
• Helps people gain insight into their own behavior patterns and how they relate to past trauma
• Allows patients to process difficult emotions
• Releases difficult memories, so patients are better able to cope with life

While new, EMDR therapy is an effective psychotherapy tool for treating trauma-related issues such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression. It has also been found to be beneficial for those experiencing chronic stress or low self-esteem due to past traumatic experiences or unresolved events from childhood. If you think that EMDR therapy could help you process your emotions more effectively and improve your overall quality of life, it may be worth exploring further with a qualified therapist who specializes in this approach. EMDR therapy could be just what you need on your journey toward healing.

Contact an EMDR therapist for more information.