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If you're suffering from post-traumatic stress, there is hope. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective form of treatment that can restore you to health.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method aimed specifically at treating people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be helpful for other psychological problems and disorders such as depression, anxiety and loss.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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What is the basis of EMDR?
EMDR is based on a theory of how memory works and how it is affected by difficult events. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and systems theory. Another specific feature of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation, which is done via eye movements. The idea is that memories can then be processed so that you are less affected by difficult events.
Research shows that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD when administered over the course of three months (National Center for PTSD, 2023).
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How does the treatment work?
Treatment with EMDR is adapted to the individual and always starts with an assessment of the problem. The length of a treatment depends on the client’s needs; it can be anything from a few sessions to a treatment lasting a few months. In the case of a single trauma, treatment can be quick, but in the case of more complex problems, the therapy will be longer. A typical EMDR session may include the following steps:
- Background and planning: the therapist gets an idea of the client’s trauma history and helps identify specific memories or events to be processed.
- Preparation for processing: The therapist and client work together to develop coping strategies and resources to deal with emotions and memories that may arise during treatment.
- Processing memories: The client focuses on a specific traumatic memory while following the therapist’s movement cues, usually eye movements. The client is then encouraged to observe their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations while going through the memory.
- Meaning and connection: The therapist helps the client to explore and understand the changes and associations that occur during the processing of the memory. Processing aims to create an understanding and integration of the traumatic memory.
- Closure: The session ends with the client relaxing and discussing their experiences during the session.
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12 common questions and answers about EMDR
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method that focuses on treating people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be helpful for other psychological problems.
What is the basis of EMDR?
EMDR is based on a theory of how memory works and how it is affected by difficult events. It combines elements of other schools of therapy such as psychodynamic theory, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and systems theory.
How does EMDR treatment work?
An EMDR treatment always begins with an assessment and preparation for the processing phase. During processing, a specific method of eye movement is used, followed by integration and relaxation.
What is specific about EMDR?
The specificity of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation, which is done via eye movements.
How long is an EMDR treatment?
It is adapted to the client’s needs and can last from a few sessions to a few months. In the case of isolated traumas, the treatment can be quick, but in the case of more complex problems, it will be longer.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from EMDR, but it can also help with depression, anxiety and loss.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is a condition that can develop after experiencing trauma.
What are the most common symptoms of PTSD?
The most common symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance behavior, increased vigilance, and negative changes in emotions and thoughts. These symptoms can be long-lasting and affect everyday life.
What research support is there for the method?
Research shows that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD when administered over the course of three months (National Center for PTSD, 2023).
Can children be treated with EMDR?
EMDR is used with both adults and children to cope with symptoms of PTSD.
What are the benefits of EMDR?
The advantages of the method are that it is relatively gentle on the client, it requires no exposure or homework that is usually recommended with trauma-focused CBT. It can also be effective, and although it can also be intense and emotionally upsetting, there are many safety checks during the treatment itself.
Where can I go if I want to undergo EMDR?
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and is suffering from symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek professional help. You can book an appointment with a psychologist or therapist via our website. We make the hard things easier.
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