EMDR is a non-invasive treatment that can help treat trauma-related issues. But, what is EMDR therapy?

In short, if you struggle with a trauma-related disorder, such as PTSD, it can be difficult to find relief from your symptoms. PTSD can create troubling symptoms that can be debilitating, with severe cases preventing you from working or pursuing an education. Trauma disorders are caused when you experience or witnesses a troubling, disturbing or traumatic event. PTSD and trauma-related disorders can cause flashbacks, night terrors and anxiety. It may also make you avoid situations and environments that remind you of the traumatic event.

Treatment can be frustrating, especially when you are just starting the process of finding the right combination and balance of therapy, medications and other treatments.

What is EMDR Therapy?

So, what is EMDR therapy and how does it work? EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and is a way to help victims of trauma recover from disturbing memories. A trained clinician will begin treatment by getting a complete history and identifying your triggers. You will be asked to recall a traumatic memory and visualize it while following stimuli, such as a finger, with your eyes. While tracking the stimuli, your brain begins processing the memory. The goal is to begin associating a negative traumatic event with positive emotion.

For example, instead of fixating on the negative feelings of your trauma, your brain begins connecting the trauma with a positive affirmation. Instead of viewing yourself as a victim when recalling a traumatic memory, you begin viewing yourself as a strong, resilient survivor.

EDMR treatment works by transitioning your emotional response to a traumatic event from negative and unpleasant to an emotionally positive one. The goal of treatment is to help you feel empowered, strong and resilient.

What Are the Benefits of EMDR Treatment?

After understanding what is EMDR therapy, you may be wondering what the benefits of EDMR are. EDMR has several important benefits, including:

  • It is non-invasive
  • There are few potential side effects
  • It can help even if medications and other treatments aren’t beneficial
  • You can experience relief shortly after treatment
  • An alternate treatment if you are unable to take medications
  • Can help treat other mental health and mood disorders

EMDR treatment provides a safe alternative if you have failed to find success with other treatment options. While medications can work well for many patients, you may experience side effects which prevent you from taking prescription medications. EMDR can complement other forms of therapy, especially dialectic and cognitive behavioral therapy, and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.

Finding Help Today

After finding an answer to what is EDMR therapy and how it can help you recover from trauma, you may be ready to take the first step and reach out for help. Steps to Recovery offers a nationally recognized EMDR therapy program which can help you heal and recover from trauma. To learn more about how our programs can help you find recovery, call us today at 267.719.8528.