EMDR for Trauma
Some trauma is complex to process.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, bad things happen. Life happens. A bad breakup, losing a loved one, a near-death experience, childhood abuse – you name it.
Even though time has passed, you might struggle to overcome it. If you don’t think or talk about it, you seem fine. But that’s not being over it; that’s avoidance. Avoidance is not overcoming it and is a sign that whatever happened is still affecting you and that you might be traumatized.
The effects of difficult life situations or traumas can linger for years – decades even! I’ve seen it happen all too often.
But there is hope, no matter how much time has passed or how many things you’ve tried to overcome your feelings. There is still one thing you might not have done: EMDR.
What is EMDR?
Originally designed to address the most disturbing experiences, that is, those faced by combat veterans, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is now available to all of us. Did I mention it’s effective almost 90% of the time?
I won’t bore you with the stats, but it’s worth noting that 3-6 sessions are often enough to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Imagine thinking about what happened, talking about it (if you want to), or remembering it without the overwhelming feelings or the urge to avoid it.
Here’s what to expect in an EMDR session.
In an EMDR session, we work together to help you process and heal from past experiences that are still affecting you today. We’ll start by discussing your feelings and what you’d like to focus on during the session. This discussion helps us set clear goals and ensures we’re addressing the issues that are most important to you.
To help you feel comfortable and safe, we’ll spend a few minutes practicing relaxation techniques. These might include deep breathing, visualization, or other methods to help you feel grounded and at ease. Then, we’ll identify a specific memory or issue you’d like to work on. You only need to provide basic information; if it’s too difficult to talk about, that’s okay. You don’t have to share all the details for EMDR to be effective.
Bilateral Stimulation is the core part of EMDR. I’ll guide you through a process that involves moving your eyes back and forth, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling taps on your hands. This approach helps your brain process the memory in a new way. As we use bilateral stimulation, you’ll notice changes in how you think and feel about the memory. You might gain new insights, feel differently about the event, or notice reduced distress. I’ll check in with you regularly to see how you’re doing and adjust the process as needed.
Once the distress around the memory has decreased, I’ll help you reinforce positive beliefs about yourself. This approach helps to replace negative thoughts and emotions with healthier, more empowering ones.
At the end of the session, we’ll use relaxation techniques again to help you feel calm and grounded. We’ll also discuss any insights or changes you experienced and plan for our next session. I’ll give you some simple activities or exercises to do between sessions to help you continue processing and integrating the work we’ve done.
Remember, EMDR is a collaborative process.
You are always in control, and we will move at a pace that feels right for you, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the journey.
Yes, I will challenge and push you, but I won’t push you over the edge!
Importantly, you don’t need to talk in detail about what happened. If it’s too difficult to say aloud, don’t worry – you don’t have to. EMDR works even if you keep some details private.
Take the first step toward True Healing.
If you’re ready to begin your journey of healing and reclaiming your life, I invite you to reach out and schedule an EMDR session.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone and don’t need to share every detail of your past.
Together, we can work toward a brighter, more peaceful future. Contact me today to start your path to recovery and well-being.