What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a type of therapy typically used with people suffering from trauma or PTSD. According to the World Health Organization, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD. In fact, EMDR has the highest success rate of all types of therapies and treatments for those suffering from PTSD according to various studies and clinical trials.
EMDR uses a person’s own rapid eye movements to remove emotionally charged memories from traumatic events. In comparison to other forms of talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on the traumatic event itself than most forms of therapy. Instead, EMDR focuses more on the disturbing emotions and symptoms that result from the trauma.
While EMDR was developed to treat the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and phobias, some clinicians utilize EMDR to treat depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, sexual dysfunction, and stress caused by chronic disease.
EMDR Therapy FAQs
What are some symptoms?
- Shock, Denial
- Anger, Irritability, Mood Swings
- Guilt, Shame, Self-blame
- Anxiety, Fear and Fatigue
- Difficulty
- Concentrating
- Racing Heartbeat
- Muscle Tension
What are some causes?
- Bullying
- Serious Accidents
- Betrayal in Relationships
- Abandonment
- Miscarriages
- Sexual Orientation
- Death of a Loved One
- Divorced Parents
Why Is It Important to Address Trauma?
Trauma does not go away with time. It can cause a lasting impact that will build upon itself and surface in many areas of your life. Untreated trauma can cause enough stress that individuals may seek unhealthy coping mechanisms to take away the pain. Trauma also can create negative core beliefs about yourself that can leak out into different areas of your life.
Addressing trauma with a therapist can help you lead a happier, less stressful life. To request an appointment with a counselor at one of our offices in Salt Lake City, contact us.
How Does PTSD Relate to Trauma?
Not everyone who experiences trauma will necessarily be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who feel they may have PTSD may show symptoms like:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Hyperarousal
- Inability to relax
- Avoidance of certain situations
How Do I Cope?
Get moving. Trauma disrupts the natural balance of your body. Your nervous system gets “stuck.” Exercising for at least 30 minutes most days can help put your nerves at rest. Rhythmic exercises involving both your arms and legs are best.
Don’t isolate yourself. Many feel the need to withdraw from others following a traumatic event. Isolation only makes things worse. Connect with others face to face. A network of support will help you heal.
Take care of your health. Along with meditation techniques such as mindful breathing, getting plenty of sleep and eating a well-balanced diet go a long way. Having a healthy body can increase your ability to cope with the effects of trauma.
At Phoenix Rebellion Therapy, we will work with you to develop additional healthy coping skills. Call or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Do I need counseling?
If you feel you have experienced trauma or PTSD, it is important to address these issues and work through them with an experienced professional. We are committed to easing the stresses of everyday life and working with individuals to overcome traumatic events. Please consider counseling if you are:
- Having trouble functioning at home or work
- Suffering from fear, anxiety, or depression
- Unable to form close, satisfying relationships
- Terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Avoiding more and more triggers
- Avoiding things that remind you of the trauma
- Feeling numb and disconnected from others
- Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
I Tried Therapy Elsewhere & It Didn’t Help. What Now?
Unfortunately, many individuals have tried talking to a therapist about their trauma for years on end without finding relief. Although many therapists say that they can treat trauma, statistics show otherwise. Researchers have found 60% of current therapists cannot name the top three interventions that should be used to help reduce trauma or PTSD.
Our therapists are highly trained trauma experts. We are committed to easing the stresses induced by trauma and PTSD and helping you lead a bright, beautiful future. We specialize in working with military personnel and veterans, but our techniques are designed to help every individual.
