The Rising Star of Trauma Treatment

Were you bullied as a kid?

Been through a bad breakup?

Grieved the loss of a pet or loved one?

Were you neglected or abused?

Have a serious illness or injury?

Unfortunately, most everyone you know has experienced some kind of trauma in their lives. It doesn't have to be something out of Criminal Minds or Dateline. Any perceived trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental health and well-being, leading to a wide array of symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

However, many individuals are able to recover from the effects of trauma and regain a sense of safety and well-being with the therapeutic technique gaining popularity in the mental health field -- EMDR therapy.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach that is used to treat individuals who have experienced trauma or other distressing life experiences. It was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. It is now recognized as an evidence-based treatment by a number of professional organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). During an EMDR therapy session, the individual is asked to recall a traumatic or distressing event while the therapist guides them in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping.

The theory behind EMDR therapy is that the bilateral stimulation activates both sides of the brain, which can facilitate the processing of traumatic memories reducing its negative emotional impact and allowing the individual to develop more adaptive ways of coping.

An EMDR therapy session typically follows a structured format, although the specifics may vary depending on the therapist's approach and the needs of the individual.

Here is a general outline of what an EMDR therapy session might look like:

1. Assessment and preparation: The therapist will begin by conducting an assessment of the individual's mental health history and current symptoms, and will work with them to establish goals for the therapy. The therapist will also provide an overview of what to expect during the session and how EMDR therapy works.

2. Target selection: The individual and therapist will work together to identify a specific traumatic memory or issue to target in the session. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to help the individual identify a target, such as asking them to recall a particularly distressing memory or asking them to describe a recurring negative thought or emotion.

3. Desensitization: The therapist will guide the individual in revisiting the target memory or issue while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. The individual will be asked to focus on the memory or issue while following the therapist's instructions for the bilateral stimulation. The therapist may also ask the individual to provide feedback on their thoughts and emotions during the process.

4. Installation: Once the individual has achieved a state of desensitization, the therapist will guide them in replacing negative beliefs or emotions associated with the traumatic memory or issue with more adaptive ones. This is known as the installation phase of EMDR therapy.

5. Body scan: The therapist will guide the individual in a body scan to help them identify any residual tension or discomfort associated with the memory or issue. The individual will be asked to focus on any physical sensations and to rate their intensity.

6. Closure: The therapist will ensure that the individual is feeling calm and stable before ending the session. They may provide techniques for the individual to use outside of therapy to help them cope with any residual distress.

Each EMDR therapy session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The number of sessions needed will depend on the individual's needs and goals for therapy.

The ultimate goal of EMDR therapy is to help the individual process the traumatic experience in a way that promotes healing and allows them to move forward in their life.

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To find an EMDR therapist near you, there are several steps you can take:

• Check with your insurance provider: Many insurance providers maintain a list of in-network mental health providers, including those who offer EMDR therapy.

• Use online directories: There are several online directories that list mental health professionals who offer EMDR therapy. Some popular directories include Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).

• Ask for referrals: Ask your primary care physician or other healthcare providers, as well as friends or family members, for referrals to mental health professionals who offer EMDR therapy.

• Contact EMDRIA: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) maintains a directory of trained EMDR therapists. You can search for a therapist by location on their website.

Once you have a list of potential EMDR therapists, it is a good idea to schedule an initial consultation to determine if the therapist is a good fit for you and your needs. During this consultation, you can ask about the therapist's experience and training in EMDR therapy, as well as their approach to treatment and what to expect during sessions.

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