Finding Resolution for Trauma With EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique primarily used to treat individuals with PTSD and Trauma.

However, EMDR can also be an effective treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, grief, substance abuse, and a variety of other difficulties or issues an individual is hoping to overcome.

The goal of EMDR is to help clients reprocess and distance themselves from past or current traumas, issues, or adverse events that continue to weigh on their daily lives.

By activating brain regions that handle stress and trauma, EMDR helps clients address the negative aspects and problems they want to overcome. This process removes mental barriers, allowing for emotional healing and improvement

How Does EMDR Treatment Work?

As the name suggests, EMDR is a highly unique therapy method that uses eye movement to administer treatment.

EMDR therapy takes place in a safe and comfortable office environment. Licensed EMDR therapists use various techniques to help clients stay focused as they process traumatic and negative thoughts and feelings internally. These techniques may include back-and-forth hand motions, moving lights, sounds, or rhythmic cues. All of these techniques provide bi-lateral stimulation of the brain.

What is Bi-Lateral Stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation is a therapeutic technique that involves rhythmic back-and-forth movements or sensations on both sides of the body. It’s effective in healing trauma because this back-and-forth stimulation helps the brain process traumatic memories. This bilateral approach aids in desensitizing traumatic memories, making them less distressing and assisting in the healing process.

EMDR research indicates that concentrating on the therapist’s hands and a specific traumatic event helps a client’s brain to form new adaptive connections. These connections aid in unblocking the ability to process and move beyond the trauma.

It’s crucial to understand that revisiting trauma can be highly emotional and painful. EMDR therapists are cautious and won’t push clients too hard. They regularly check in to assess any distress or discomfort during each session.

As therapy continues, we evaluate and adapt the approach to provide the best and safest experience for the client.

Why Clients Choose EMDR Therapy

Many therapies exist for mental well-being, and EMDR is one of them. So, why would someone choose EMDR? In order to answer this question, let’s review what it is and how it benefits the client.

Understanding EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It sounds fancy, however, its purpose is simple: help people heal.

EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach, extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma.

Many different life events can be traumatic. These can include divorce, illness, accidents, and losing someone near to you. Additionally, there are more extreme experiences such as war, torture, and PTSD.

It’s thought that EMDR helps access and process traumatic memories, leading to resolution both emotionally and cognitively.

There is more to EMDR as you will see listed below.

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Reasons Clients Select EMDR for Therapy:

Dealing with Trauma

Some memories hurt
Trauma can trap memories in the mind

These memories replay and cause pain
EMDR helps untangle and soften these memories

Research Supports EMDR’s Effectiveness

Research supports EMDR
Endorsed by The World Health Organization

It’s recognized worldwide
Used by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Beyond Talking with a Mind-Body Connection

Talking helps, but it’s not always enough
EMDR offers a different approach
It works with physical sensations tied to memories
This holistic approach can lead to deeper healing

EMDR is action-based and experiential
It activates the brain’s healing capacity to metabolize and integrate traumatic memories that have become “stuck”

Pathways Counseling has been great! Stephanie and the EMDR therapy have helped me tremendously!

* Mike (client)

Addresses Root Causes with Privacy and Minimal Disclosure

Symptoms have underlying causes
Full disclosure isn’t always needed
Clients can process trauma without detailing it out loud
It respects privacy while still fostering healing
Instead of just managing symptoms, EMDR targets the root cause

Sometimes clients hit emotional roadblocks
EMDR can help navigate around or through them
It’s about long term solutions, not just quick fixes

Filling the Gaps

Sometimes talk therapy hits a wall
EMDR can be a bridge
Originally used for PTSD, the reach of EMDR has grown.
It can also address anxiety, depression, OCD and phobias

It can access places words can’t reach
It can bridge and create a positive impact on other parts of a person’s life and triggers

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Past, Present, Future

EMDR looks back, but also looks ahead
Clients explore past traumas, current disruptions and future challenges

It’s about healing history to move forward
It’s also about building resilience for ongoing challenges in life

Safety & Control While Reducing Intensity

The counselor guides, however the client has control
Client can stop any time
It ensures a safe place for healing

Memories can be like videos in the client’s mind
EMDR can help to reduce the volume of the memories in the mind

Not Only Eye Movements

Eyes are involved, however, it’s not the only sense involved

EMDR utilizes tapping and audio also
It involves stimulating both sides of the brain

Customized Approach and Treatment Time

Traditional therapy can be lengthy
There is no “one size fits all” with EMDR
EMDR is tailored to individual needs
EMDR often shows quicker results

Each client’s journey is unique
Finding and dealing with the core issue
For some, it can mean fewer treatments

Building Coping Skills & Self-Awareness Boost

EMDR isn’t just reactive
It’s also reflective
Clients often gain deeper insights about themselves

Apart from processing memories, skills are imparted
Clients learn to self-soothe and manage stress

Personal Empowerment & Lifelong Tools

Post-EMDR, clients feel empowered
Clients reclaim control from distressing memories

Skills learned through EMDR last
Clients can use them throughout life
It can boost the benefits from other therapeutic methods

EMDR Therapy in Scottsdale At Pathways

Pathways Counseling Services, a Scottsdale counseling practice works with clients to make it a journey from pain to empowerment. For many, it’s the key to unlocking deep, lasting healing.

Choosing therapy is personal. It’s about finding out what resonates with you as a client. If you are one of those haunted by unsettling memories, or feeling stuck, this can be a therapy for you.

If you’re looking for a holistic option, EMDR can be a valuable selection. EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation, guided techniques, and delves into the mind-body connection.

With this approach, clients can find relief, clarity and a renewed sense of self.

Additional EMDR resources: