I say it time and time again. But I really want you to know that you are not alone. You deserve more than a daily routine of reopening old wounds. Or simply surviving the attached emotions.
Reliving and reexperiencing memories and pain is not easy. And is definitely not something you need to do without help.
Trauma that just won’t let you go requires effective treatment. Ideally, a treatment that won’t force you to rehash the worst periods in your life for too long or too often.
You long to move forward. I want to help. EMDR Treatment is capable of addressing trauma significantly, often in ways that traditional therapy methods do not. In fact, some research suggests that EMDR therapy may be able to soothe the aftereffects of personal crises, unexpected tragedies, persistent anxiety, depression as well as trauma associated with COVID-19 in half the time of other trauma treatments.
So, what exactly makes EMDR treatment such a successful trauma treatment?
1. EMDR is the full package.
As Dr. Susan Dutcher describes it:"EMDR Therapy is body centered and I began to realize that the body not only stores trauma but also can RELEASE that intense emotional pain to assist the healing process. EMDR Therapy combines elements of cognitive therapy, somatic experiences, mindfulness, exposure, and other therapies to heal past trauma and help people envision a different future."
2. EMDR treatment uses the brain’s ability to heal itself.
Often, emotional resistance and mental blocks can get in the way of healthy, rapid trauma recovery. EMDR therapy is such a helpful approach because it supports the core belief that the mind wants to heal. Such healing does not need a prolonged, drawn out process to be effective.
Once you and I identify a mental block, EMDR therapy will be helpful for relieving the stress and easing the anxiety of trauma. This happens in a completely natural and sustainable manner. Essentially, EMDR therapy helps reestablish thought processes and cognitive reasoning that already come naturally to you and may not have been easily restored by other trauma treatments.
In effect, EMDR therapy aids important mental connections. How?
Bilateral Stimulation. To sort out and transform your emotional responses to traumatic thoughts and memories, this standardized treatment strategy focuses on past memories while staying present in the moment.
EMDR creator and developer Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., explains:“Specific procedures are used to help clients maintain a sense of control during memory work as the therapist guides their focus of attention. They need only focus briefly on the disturbing memory during the processing while engaged in the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps or tones) as the internal associations are made. The client’s brain makes the needed links as new emotions, sensations, beliefs, and memories emerge. All the work is done during the therapy sessions. It is not necessary for the client to describe the memory in detail, and no homework is used.”
In other words, during a EMDR therapy session, I will direct you to use either eye movement, tapping or tones while you briefly think of specific parts of the trauma. You don't even have to talk about what happened if you choose not to. You will be in charge of the pacing and you will always be in control.
Amazingly, several studies indicate that nearly 80% of single-trauma victims experience significant relief from PTSD. Many feel better after engaging in as few as 3, 90-minute EMDR sessions.
3. EMDR treatment causes relief as well as ongoing recovery.
Trauma is especially devastating to some people because it causes a persistent sense of helplessness or feeling out of control. This therapy is direct and structured, thus, you will likely find that the relief and understanding gained by the EMDR process is yours alone and not derived from the interpretation of your therapist.
EMDR therapy is both a safe and empowering procedure. You will likely feel more receptive and emotionally aware as time goes on. If you run into any roadblocks, you can always schedule another session. EMDR therapy allows you to improve your perspective and engage more beneficial decision-making. In a short amount of time, you'll find yourself moving forward... a healthier, less reactive, calm version of yourself.You too can find relief!
Think we might be a good fit? Contact us for a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help. Offering online counseling and phone calls in Boulder, CO.
Find out more about EMDR Therapy. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
For your other needs, you can count on April Lyons Psychotherapy Group, to help you heal and grow through somatic therapy, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment – because we believe in your strength and potential for recovery.
