The Profound Benefits of EMDR Therapy
An estimated 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic incident in their lives. This may help explain why EMDR is such a popular therapy. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. It is a powerful way to heal from trauma, reduce distress and promote emotional well-being. Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the late 1980s. It has since been widely studied and recognized for effectively treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a variety of other challenges.
How EMDR Came To Be
According to the EMDR Institute, Shapiro came up with the idea of EMDR while walking in a park one day in 1987. She was under distress and noticed something interesting. When she moved her eyes a certain way, her negative emotions decreased. Shapiro went on to study what was happening and EMDR was born.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain and body. We often struggle to process disturbing events right after they happen. We can also be triggered in the future when we experience similar situations. This can lead to the development of maladaptive beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. The truth is: unresolved memories can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. This can manifest as symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological disorders. EMDR works by helping clients process and integrate of these distressing memories.
Here are 6 Important Benefits of EMDR Therapy:
1. Rapid Relief from Distressing Symptoms
One of the most notable benefits of EMDR therapy is its ability to provide rapid relief. With EMDR, significant improvements often occur in a short period. Many clients will experience a reduction in symptoms after a few sessions of EMDR. This can include symptom relief from intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional reactivity.
2. Targeted Treatment of Traumatic Memories
EMDR therapy offers an approach to addressing traumatic memories and their associated symptoms. EMDR utilizes a structured, eight-step protocol. A clinician will work with their client to identify a targeted traumatic memory that continues to cause distress. Often, this memory will impact and exacerbate current day stressors in an individual’s life. These memories are then targeted for reprocessing using bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can occur through eye movement, tactile tapping, or audio. This process allows individuals to access traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way. In turn, a client will experience a reduction in their emotional intensity and distressing symptoms.
3. Lasting Resolution of Trauma
There are many different methods and approaches to therapy. Some focus on symptom management, which doesn’t get to the root cause of a client’s distress. EMDR therapy helps achieve lasting resolution of trauma by addressing its root cause. In the end, the symptoms are also reduced. It gives clients a new way to process and integrate their traumatic memories and make sense of them. This includes reframing negative beliefs and working to install adaptive, positive beliefs. These beliefs can be helpful in other areas of their lives. Let’s use the example of a client working through a traumatic memory that they blame themself for. EMDR will aim to help decrease this self-blame. As a result, the client may also notice a decrease in their inner criticism in other areas of their life. Clients can also develop a greater sense of empowerment and resilience through the EMDR process. Knowing they are able to overcome a trauma can help build greater confidence and a renewed sense of hope.
4. Holistic Healing of Mind, Body, and Spirit
EMDR therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. EMDR addresses traumatic memories at a neurological level. In turn, clients experience a reduction in both psychological symptoms and physical distress. A large pillar of EMDR includes the client’s awareness of what they are experiencing in their body. Many clients report a sense of relief from physical symptoms following EMDR sessions. This can include a decrease in chronic pain, tension, and fatigue. Additionally, EMDR therapy can promote spiritual growth and a deeper sense of connection to oneself and others.
5. Enhanced Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
Trauma can disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate emotions with ease. Often, this leads to heightened reactivity, impulsivity, and emotional numbness. If you live with someone who has experienced trauma and you’ve seen what it looks like when they are triggered. EMDR therapy helps individuals develop more adaptive coping skills and emotional regulation strategies. Before starting the work, clients learn grounding techniques and tools for nervous system regulation, which become life-long skills. Clients learn to tolerate distressing emotions, challenge negative beliefs, and respond to triggers in healthier ways. This enhanced emotional regulation not only reduces symptoms of PTSD and anxiety but also improves emotional well-being and resilience.
6. Empowerment and Self-Discovery
Beyond symptom reduction, EMDR therapy fosters empowerment and self-discovery. Individuals will tap into their innate resilience and strengths through the therapeutic process. As clients process past memories, they often uncover positive traits. They may become aware of their own resilience, courage, and creativity, for example. By replacing negative beliefs with adaptive information about themselves, clients can feel empowered. This can also lead to feeling like they have more control over their lives. It can promote more positive changes and help fuel clients to achieve their goals.
Key Takeaways About EMDR
For individuals dealing with the long-term effects of trauma, EMDR is a game-changer. This path to healing and transformation can help clients experience rapid relief. EMDR targets and reprocesses traumatic memories and helps with coping and emotional regulation. It can also lead to empowerment, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of hope and resilience. EMDR can also benefit individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. It’s a ground-breaking approach to therapy.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR or another type of therapy, we are happy to help. If we aren’t a fit for your needs, we are very happy to offer direction and referrals to help you get to where you need to be. We invite you to reach out to our client care team at (615) 582-2882 or clientcare@nashvillepsych.com.
