Recovering from Trauma with EMDR
Although I’m trained in a variety of therapy techniques, one type of therapy that I find particularly beneficial for many of my clients is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR originated as a technique in the 1950s, and I became familiar with it while completing my training in this therapeutic method in the military base in CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. I was involved with opening the Veterans Affairs Canada office in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and assisted many veterans with recovering from trauma experienced in war using EMDR. Although this method was originally intended as a technique for reprocessing war trauma, it is actually ideal for almost anyone who has experienced trauma.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an integrative, effective, often fast form of therapy through which the therapist works with the client to recall and reprocess the painful memories that are understood as the root causes of the client’s current symptoms. Through understanding and changing the negative self-valuations and physical reactions associated with these memories, the memories are able to be stored properly in the brain, and the emotional distress connected with the memories is eliminated.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy is to completed help the client work through past memories, present disturbances, and future actions. The therapist and client work together to identify the traumatic memories, often from childhood, which are causing the client’s stress and the negative beliefs about themselves that are connected with the trauma. The therapist works with the client to discover the significant memories which need to be reprocessed.
The client recalls an image from their traumatic memories, the negative belief about the self that this memory established (for example, “I am worthless”), and the emotions which accompany the memory. Using bilateral brain stimulation with the tech/audio scan, a positive belief is identified to replace the negative one. The unwanted associations and physical responses that accompany the memory are eliminated through reprocessing and desensitizing; eventually, the client stops incurring physical and emotional symptoms when recalling the memory.
Who can EMDR benefit?
While EMDR is particularly effective for war veterans because it can be used to target specific traumatic memories associated with their experiences, EMDR is useful for individuals who have experienced any type of trauma. As a traumatic event can be understood as any event which alters an individual’s view of themselves or the world, many childhood memories may be understood as traumatic and may be the root cause for such disorders as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias. Studies have further demonstrated EMDR is effective in treating those affected by loss of a loved one, abuse, low self-esteem, witnessing violent events, and many other issues.
How do we get started?
To determine if therapy might help you, please give me a call at 705-257-6857. Through the initial session, we can determine the treatment plan that will best suit your needs, which may involve techniques from EMDR as well other therapeutic methods.
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Yes, EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization) is the most researched treatment for PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Significant decreases in many symptoms of PTSD have been found in as few as 3-4 sessions. Some of the symptoms of PTSD that people might experience after a trauma might be as follows: Emotional numbing Unwanted thoughts or images about a distressing event Exaggerated startle response Recurrent nightmares Loss of interest or participation in pleasurable activities Stress related to cues or triggers of the distressing event Flashbacks of the distressing event Hypervigilence or scanning of the environment Inability to recall parts of the distressing event Avoiding places, people, or activities related to the trauma Avoiding thoughts, feelings, and conversations about the trauma Sensing a foreshortened future Insomnia-hard to fall or stay asleep Feeling estranged from others Difficulty concentrating Restricted range of emotions Decreased pleasure Distancing from others Irritability or anger Dissociation Since there is no homework with EMDR, the overall time is much shorter with this therapy. Research indicates that the benefit of this treatment continues over time and the issues that caused the initial trauma are neutralized and do not continue to cause problems once it is cleared through EMDR. The effects of EMDR have been found to be superior to many other types of therapy for PTSD such as relaxation training, biofeedback, active listening, and 1:1 individual therapy. EMDR can be helpful even if the client does not wish to share the details of the trauma with the therapist. This has been especially helpful in working with the veterans. EMDR can soften the pain of past experiences and improve feelings of calmness and happiness.
Are you reaching your full potential or is something holding you back? Certain limiting situations seem to play out. What’s holding you back is a negative belief you have about yourself. Fortunately, there’s a therapy that assists in uncovering those negative beliefs and helps you move forward.
One question that I am frequently asked is where to go to receive free mental health services in Sault Ste. Marie. Although I would caution against choosing a psychological health professional or resource based solely on cost, I do recognize the need for affordable mental health care. If your need is urgent, you may want to consider a walk-in facility, or use one of the hotlines listed below. If you would like to discuss other holistic therapeutic approaches for less time sensitive issues, please get in touch.