What is EMDR Therapy and
How Can it Help Your Mental Health?
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy that has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. EMDR therapy is a relatively new form of therapy, but it has quickly become one of the most popular and effective treatments for trauma.
EMDR therapy is a type of therapy that helps people to process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences. EMDR therapy works by stimulating the brain's natural healing process. During EMDR therapy, the therapist will ask you to focus on a traumatic memory while they stimulate your brain using eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This stimulation helps to activate the brain's natural healing process, which allows you to process the traumatic memory and move on from it.
Innovators in EMDR therapy have also shown its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, high performance, grief and loss, substance abuse, and other clinical applications. Rather than using EMDR to focus on a traumatic memory, it can also be used to address persistent negative patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to help shift negative habits, beliefs, and other dysfunctional patterns. This work can help to increase your quality of life, reach your goals, and improve your mental health, whether or not you have traumatic memories.
The exact mechanism of action for EMDR therapy is subject of continued research, with multiple current theories. It is believed to work by stimulating the brain's natural healing process. When we experience a traumatic event, the brain's natural healing process is interrupted. This can lead to the development of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. EMDR therapy helps to restart the brain's natural healing process, which allows you to process the traumatic memory and move on from it.
The mechanisms of EMDR have been shown in research to decrease the activation of the fight or flight response, increase communication between logical and emotional parts of the brain including our “subconscious”, and increase neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to shift and change.
EMDR therapy has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions, including:
EMDR therapy is a safe and effective form of therapy. It has been used successfully with people of all ages, including children. EMDR therapy is not a form of hypnosis, and you will not lose control during therapy.
EMDR therapy is typically conducted over a series of 8-12 sessions for each target issue. Each session will last about an hour to an hour and a half. During the first session, your therapist will get to know you and your history. They will also explain the EMDR therapy process and answer any questions you have.
In subsequent sessions, your therapist will ask you to focus on a traumatic memory while they stimulate your brain using eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. You will be asked to notice any changes in your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations as you process the traumatic memory.
EMDR therapy can be a challenging process, but it is also very rewarding. Many people who have undergone EMDR therapy have reported significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.
If you are struggling with a mental health condition, EMDR therapy may be a helpful treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional to see if EMDR therapy is right for you.
For those who have seen benefits from EMDR therapy, as well as those who are interested in trying it in the future, smaller doses of bilateral stimulation may be helpful as a regular practice, similar to meditation. Recess uses 10 minute intervals to help improve several areas, including increasing focus, enhancing self esteem, boosting productivity, and decreasing stress. Recess’ goal is to help users utilize smaller doses of bilateral stimulation to reach and sustain Flow State.
If you’re interested in EMDR or have used it successfully, Recess may be very helpful for your continued growth.
