Deal With Trauma Through EMDR Therapy
People who are dealing with past trauma tend to keep it to themselves. This though can do more harm than good. Several therapies are recommended. The EMDR is one of them.
Nobody likes to deal with memories that hurt them. That is what this therapy is all about. This can help with the emotional trauma caused by past experiences. Yet How does EMDR Therapy work? Let’s find out.
Client Assessment
A thorough assessment is crucial to helping the therapist examine the client’s history. This will help both the therapist and client single out the trauma that causes their distress. A therapeutic relationship is slowly established. This can help the client feel safer with the therapist. Target memories or events that are causing them distress are identified.
Desensitization (Targets a Traumatic Memory)
The client is guided to focus more on a distressing memory. At the same time, the client engages in bilateral stimulation. This stimulation can be through guided eye movement or other forms. It will guide the brain to process a specific traumatic memory. This allows the client to recall the trauma in a less distressing manner.
Installation (Replace Negative Beliefs)
Any negative beliefs will be replaced with positive ones in this phase. The new and positive beliefs allow the clients to feel better about themselves. The installation phase is done with continued engagement in bilateral stimulation. This can help reinforce the new beliefs and replace the negative ones.
Body Scan (Physical Reaction to a Memory)
Clients are instructed to pay close attention to how their body reacts while recalling a memory with the new positive belief. The goal of this phase is to identify and address any remaining tension or discomfort that the client may feel while remembering the past trauma. Further bilateral stimulation is done when there is still a physical sensation in the memory.
Closure
The therapist helps the client come back to a state of calmness and equilibrium. The clients may do grounding exercises and relaxation methods. Some have brief discussions with the client to ensure they feel stable and calm before the session ends. Coping strategies may also help the client manage any emotional distress they may experience between sessions.
Reevaluation of Client Progress
The therapist will always assess the client’s progress first at the beginning of every session. This involves reviewing the impact of the processed memories. Any new issues or remaining distress will also be addressed. This phase ensures that the therapeutic benefits are maintained.
EMDR: Effectiveness in Treating Trauma
This therapy is an effective treatment of trauma-related conditions. This helps individuals reduce the emotional charge while dealing with their distressing memories. EMDR makes it a valuable option for those who are affected by traumatic events in their lives.
EMDR therapy offers several benefits. But what it’s known for is to help the person heal from trauma and emotional distress. The therapy is not reliant on medication. Yet it is very effective to bring back the person’s personal empowerment.
