If you’ve been ready to move forward and find healing from the pain associated with trauma from your past, you may have been referred to try eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. While this may sound intimidating, be rest-assured; as a holistic form of treatment, EMDR therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment that involves bilateral eye movements while your physician guides you through a series of strong, uplifting beliefs that you’d like to associate with yourself. The EMDR International Association emphasizes the many concerns that EMDR can be used to treat, including symptoms often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): panic attacks, complicated grief, dissociation, disturbing memories, and more.
If you’re curious about the process, here is what you can expect:
Phase 1: Your therapist will learn more about you, including past events that have created problems for you. They will take into consideration skills or behaviors that could improve your wellbeing.
Phase 2: Your therapist will teach you some specific tools that can help you should emotional distress arise in your daily life.
Phase 3: You will be asked to recall a certain image from a triggering event in the past, and your therapist will ask you to recall a negative belief that you’ve held about yourself because of that event. This may be “I am helpless”, “I am a bad person”, or something similar.
Phase 4: This is where the eye movements come into play – as you recall that traumatic event, you will be guided in bilateral eye movements as your therapist guides you to healing.
Phase 5: With this phase, your therapist will work with you to strengthen those positive beliefs that you’d like to obtain.
Phase 6: After your beliefs are strengthened, the therapist may ask you to recall the traumatic event to see if any negative emotions or residual physical sensations are found.
Phase 7: You will leave the session feeling much better.
Phase 8: At the beginning of every session with your therapist thereafter, they will check to ensure that the positive effects gained from EMDR therapy have persisted.
EMDR therapy can be a powerful healing tool if you’re open to it. Speak with someone today to begin your journey to recovery and restoration.
Everyone’s story begins before treatment. Through intensive, individualized trauma care, everyone’s story can change. At The Guest House Ocala, you’re welcomed with open arms, no matter your story. We’re here to help you find healing. For information on our concierge level of customization and programs for the recovery from trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues, call us today: 855-483-7800