Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can impact a person’s mental and emotional health. It can be caused by exposure to a traumatic event, like war, abuse, accidents, or natural disasters. While traditional talk therapy can be effective in treating PTSD, some people may require a more comprehensive approach. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an innovative technique designed to help individuals overcome PTSD by reprocessing traumatic memories and desensitising the emotional response to them. In this blog, we will explore what results you can expect from EMDR therapy for your PTSD and what the experience will be like.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that works with the idea that traumatic experiences can cause damage to the brain, which prevent individuals from processing things normally. It uses bilateral stimulation, either through eye movements or hand taps, to focus the client’s attention on the traumatic memory while trying to change their emotional response. The goal of EMDR therapy is not to forget traumatic experiences but to move beyond them. EMDR therapy involves eight phases: history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation.
What Does EMDR Therapy Feel Like?
Many people wonder what an EMDR therapy session feels like. Generally, the experience is different for everyone, and it depends on the individual’s history and experience with trauma. Some people may experience intense emotions during EMDR treatment, while others may feel no emotion at all. That said, some common experiences reported by people undergoing EMDR therapy include feeling more grounded, calmer, and having a different perspective on their traumatic experience.
What Results Can I Expect from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy aims to help you resolve and process the traumatic events you have experienced. It is important to note that the results of EMDR therapy depend on the individual and the nature of the trauma. Many people report feeling a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. EMDR therapy can help you reprocess the traumatic events in a way that makes them less overwhelming. Furthermore, EMDR therapy can help you reduce the triggers associated with the traumatic events.
What Will I Notice Changing As I Go Through EMDR Treatment?
EMDR therapy is a comprehensive treatment that involves self-discovery, affective attunement, and cognitive restructuring. As you go through the therapy process, you may experience a gradual decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms. You may also notice changes in your physical and emotional responses to triggers. It is essential to be patient and trust the process as it can take time to see changes.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment option for PTSD. It can help you overcome the traumatic events you have experienced and reduce the severity of your PTSD symptoms. While the process can be challenging, many people find EMDR therapy to be a rewarding and transformative experience. If you are considering EMDR therapy for your PTSD, talk to a qualified mental health professional who can guide you through the process. Remember, healing takes time, so it is essential to be patient and persistent.
Written by Shannon Bowman