Why Does EMDR Seem to Have Such Promising Results?

Have you heard of EMDR? It's a therapeutic approach that's useful for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although you may not have PTSD, you may have trauma symptoms. Likewise, you may be living with anxiety, depression, or other issues that interfere with your everyday way of life. Could EMDR assist you in recovering from your trauma or other mental health issues? 

EMDR is a clinical technique accepted by a number of organizations, including the Veteran Administration, as a highly successful form of treatment for PTSD. Research indicates it can also be useful for those with betrayal trauma, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. But what makes it different from other forms of therapy? 

Let us discuss what EMDR is and why it seems to lead to such promising results. We will talk about why this technique may be the approach that could help you heal. 

What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR, is growing in popularity. Originally, EMDR was used to help people suffering from PTSD. However, now it is used to treat a variety of mental health issues. 

EMDR is an eight-phase process. It works by retrieving memories that are causing distress. Then, using bilateral stimuli, which can be facilitated through several options, reprocessing can begin. Research indicates promising results. Many clients report fewer symptoms and reactions to triggers in as few as one to three sessions. 

What makes EMDR different? 

EMDR may reduce or even resolve trauma symptoms. But why? What makes it different from other forms of treatment? Why is there such a high success rate? 

Though opinions differ on exactly why, research seems to back up the notion that bilateral stimulation is the key to such promising results. For example, some researchers feel that success is achieved because the stimulus serves as a distraction. Others believe it's because the stimulus provides access to both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. Hence, you are able to reprocess the trauma and the emotions in their entirety. Reprocessing can lead to desensitization. Thus, creating the potential of reducing or eliminating symptoms altogether. 

During a traumatic event, your five senses go into overdrive. As such, your brain may store whatever you are feeling, seeing, hearing, or smelling at the time, along with the emotions and images of the event. As a result, when you hear, smell, or see something familiar, your brain responds to the trigger, and you may experience a flashback. This may cause you to feel as though you are right back in the moment, going through it in real-time. 

Needless to say, triggers can be exhausting and overwhelming. As such, you may feel as though you are in a constant state of high alert. Over time, the distress can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, fear, and suicidal idealization. 

When you reprocess trauma using EMDR, you are in a safe environment with a counselor. As a result, you can work through the situation and disconnect the intensity tied to it. If treatment is successful you may discover triggers no longer affect you as they did previously. For example, you may be likely to remember the situation, but intense emotions no longer accompanies your thoughts. 

Where can I learn more about EMDR? 

If you want to learn more, you may find our website to be helpful. Visit endeavorcounseling.com, or you can reach out by phone.  A counselor would love to speak with you and see if EMDR may be a good fit for your needs.