EMDR Therapy: A Rapid Approach to Healing Trauma
At Robinson Counseling and Wellness, we're committed to providing effective therapeutic modalities that address the complex needs of those experiencing trauma. One such treatment is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective and evidence-based approach to trauma therapy. EMDR is recognized for its ability to help patients recover from traumatic experiences more quickly than traditional forms of therapy.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a psychotherapy technique developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy is based on the premise that traumatic experiences can cause disruptions in the natural information processing system of the brain, leading to intense emotional responses that are not resolved normally.
During EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the patient through a series of lateral eye movements while the patient recalls a traumatic event. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess the trauma, allowing the individual to integrate and digest the disturbing memories more healthily.
How Does EMDR Work?
The core of EMDR treatment involves eight distinct phases, focusing on past memories, present disturbance, and future actions. These include:
History and Treatment Planning
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation
Through these phases, EMDR helps decrease the vividness and emotional content of the traumatic memories, effectively diminishing their impact.
Speed of EMDR in Treating Trauma
One of the most significant advantages of EMDR therapy is its speed in delivering results. Many patients report a decrease in symptoms after just a few sessions. Research suggests that EMDR can achieve results more quickly than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Single-event Trauma: For individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event, such as an accident or a violent attack, a few sessions of EMDR therapy may be sufficient to process the distress.
Multiple Traumas or Complex PTSD: Individuals with long-standing or multiple trauma experiences may require a longer treatment period. However, EMDR therapy often still proceeds at a faster pace compared to other treatment modalities.
Why Choose EMDR?
EMDR therapy is less about reliving the trauma and more about diminishing the negative feelings associated with the memories. It does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue, or doing homework between sessions, which makes it particularly suitable for those who might find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
At Robinson Counseling and Wellness, we believe in the power of EMDR to change lives quickly and effectively. Whether you are struggling with recent traumatic experiences or the effects of past trauma, EMDR offers a path toward healing that is both efficient and enduring.
If you're seeking a way to move past your traumatic experiences and reclaim control over your emotional well-being, consider exploring EMDR therapy. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Robinson Counseling and Wellness.